Facilities
The Bharatiya Kala Kendra Trust owns and operates Kamani Auditorium which first opened its doors in 1971. The auditorium is part of the Complex, which also houses the internationally famous Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra College of Indian Music & Dance.
Mrs. Sumitra Charat Ram founded the Kendra in 1952 with the goal of promoting, developing, and disseminating Indian classical music and dance. To help the Kendra achieve these goals in 1971, the Bharatiya Kala Kendra Trust built and commissioned Kamani Auditorium. The Kamani is Delhi’s most prominent theatre hall. The 632-seater auditorium has hosted some of the greatest national and international Theatrical, Dance, and Musical performances. The auditorium’s building is an aesthetic structure with elegantly built Public Areas, Main Hall, Green Rooms etc.
The auditorium is prominently located at 1, Copernicus Marg in New Delhi’s Mandi House neighbourhood. Mandi House is best known as the capital’s cultural centre. The auditorium is well connected by bus services as well as the Delhi Metro, which has a station approximately 5-minute walk from the hall. The design concepts of the auditorium were drawn up after visiting and studying the features of some of the best-known theatre halls in the world. Whilst finalising the designs, inputs were sought from leading Indian Theatrical, as well as Sound and Lighting professionals of that time. These included Dr. Pancholi of the National Physical Laboratory for Hall Acoustics and Sh. Tapas Sen for Hall Lighting.
These efforts resulted in the creation of the finest and the most technologically advanced Theatre Hall of that time. This auditorium, which was subsequently named ‘Kamani Auditorium’, then became the venue for most of the prestigious cultural performances staged in the city of New Delhi. Even though the best technological features had been incorporated into the design and construction of the auditorium in 1971, the Hall management has since then not rested on its laurels.
The auditorium has excellent acoustics. Furthermore, it is equipped with a professional quality sound system using JBL Speakers, Crown Amplifiers and a 32 Channel Sound Craft Mixer. The auditorium also has its own sophisticated stage lighting with a large variety of professional lights such as Pars, Profiles, Victories, etc., which are connected through a Computerised Soft Patching System to a 48 channel, Zero 88 Bullfrog Control Panel. The auditorium has one of the finest stages in the city of Delhi with a width of 15 metres and a depth of 14 metres. The auditorium stage is ideal for demanding theatrical performances. To enable quick change of scenes and sets as well as elaborate lighting design, the stage is equipped with 21 flying bars with an upper height of over 14 metres.
The aesthetics of the general areas of the Hall such as the foyer and the mezzanine, the actual Hall and the Stage, the Green Rooms, Toilets and Office, etc. have all undergone significant improvements. In order to technologically keep the Hall in line with the latest advancements, the sound and light installations and controls have been systematically upgraded. To ensure a reliable power supply, a one MW substation along with a full Diesel Generator Power Backup has also been provided. In order to meet the spectators’ and performers’ requirements for snacks and beverages, a well-equipped Canteen and Snack Bar have been commissioned.
All the above steps have resulted in Kamani Auditorium continuing to maintain its leadership status as the best theatre hall of its size in the country.
Multi-purpose or flexible venues such as ‘Jhankar’ have tangible benefits and are ideal for a wide range of events and performances which include Smaller Productions, Performances, Rehearsals, Workshops, Virtual AGMS, Corporate, Institutional Meeting Halls, Small Exhibitions etc.
Placed right below the iconic Kamani Auditorium in Central Delhi, this flexible space is fully air-conditioned with a separate entrance and is equipped with the following:
Lights
- Avolites Pearl 2010F
- Lite Putter Dimmer – 12 Points
- Baby Par – 08 Nos.
- Par 1000 W – 02 Nos.
- Baby LED RGBW – 7 Nos.
Sound
- QSC Touch Mix – 16 Input 6 Aux
Projection Screen
- 7’x5’
Portable Wooden Stage
- 15’x12’x8.5’ (WxDxH)
The size of the space in LxWxH is 30″3″x33″1″x7″11″ and is soundproof with a wooden floor that lends itself to the overall aesthetics.
Rental events are limited to 4 or 8 consecutive hours of facility access, which includes set-up, dismantle, and event time. Space, audiovisual service, basic housekeeping, maintenance setup, and one technician are included in the rental charge. The fees are current and are subject to change. Event dates are not reserved unless the deposit fee is received along with a confirmation mail from the client. To ensure service and employees, we confirm events at least 7 days in advance or as and when the full booking amount is disbursed, whichever comes first.
It is prohibited to use tape, nails, glue, or any other substance on the floors, ceilings, walls, or windows. Any decorations, paintings, posters, or signs brought in for an event must be displayed on their own. All goods must be brought into and removed from the premises according to the official rental contract’s entry/exit timings.
More facilities like ‘Jhankar’ will be utilised as more organisations see the need for and benefits of them as the space required is not as large as the main auditorium and the costs are also within the client’s budget.
Multi-purpose venues like ours also make the programme more intimate and personal.
In traditional and modern usage, an open-air stage with lawns is a vibrant space, particularly one located outdoors, such as the one located in the heart of Central Delhi at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra premises.
In 1980, Kendra’s Shriram was moved out of Feroz Shah Kotla Grounds into this Open Air premises. A full set-up including an open-air stage was constructed in this space where the iconic dance-drama is held every year. An audience of more than 5 lacs over 40 years has come to witness this grand production.
Multiple programmes, such as Music Festivals, Dance Festivals, Holi Festivals, Large Scale Exhibitions, AGMs, Corporate Events etc, have been held in this controlled environment.
During spring, autumn, and winter days, clients take some time away from the four walls of an event space. Booking an open-air venue that accommodates total flexibility is always a good decision. The design and execution can be customised by the user.
Fresh air helps the immune system fight diseases more effectively and keeps the spread of COVID or Monkeypox under control. Add improved heart health and higher energy levels to that, and there aren’t many reasons to not choose a natural ambience.
Not only does it provide a change of scene, but the open air space also brings a new sense of perspective to the event. Spaces like ours can serve to host outdoor Performances, Corporate Functions, Exhibitions, Music Festivals, Dance Festivals and more.