Warangal: The Kaloji Kalakshetram, slated to be inaugurated by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on November 19, is set to become a premier cultural and arts convention centre in Warangal, often referred to as the cultural capital of Telangana.
A tribute to the renowned people’s poet Kaloji Narayana Rao, the four-story Kalakshetram spans 4.2 acres on Hygreevachary grounds in Hanamkonda. The facility boasts a parking area and a landscaped garden and is designed to rival Hyderabad's Ravindra Bharathi.
The auditorium seats approximately 1,127 people, including 286 in the upper balcony. Equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, audio, and video systems, the venue also accommodates up to 500 members for specific events. Two dressing rooms on either side of the auditorium cater to male and female performers.
Additional facilities include 12 guest and organiser rooms, two broad entrance corridors, and six large gates. Modern electric generators ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
Warangal West MLA Naini Rajendar Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that the BRS government initiated construction in 2014 but left it incomplete. Subsequently, the Telangana State Tourism Department took over the project at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore but later stepped back due to budget overruns. Responsibility for completion was handed to the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA).
Upon forming the government, the Congress expedited the work, completing it within eight months at an investment of Rs 95 crore, he added.
KUDA chairman Enagala Venkatram Reddy stated that the Kalakshetram would be among South India’s finest cultural and arts convention centres. It is dedicated to promoting Telangana’s cultural and artistic heritage, hosting events for educational institutions and literary organisations, while strictly avoiding political usage.
The venue includes an art gallery showcasing photographs and awards of Kaloji Narayana Rao, along with a planned library featuring books on Telangana’s culture, traditions, and art forms.
TRNSS president Akula Sadanandam noted that the Kalakshetram would benefit artists, writers, and poets from united Warangal, many of whom have earned national and international acclaim. He acknowledged that during the BRS regime, repeated appeals to establish a platform for artists went unanswered.
“We are delighted that the Congress government not only completed the project in record time but is having it inaugurated by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy,” he said.
