Many must have heard about Bhavans College situated in Andheri, but did you know that it is also a Centre for Performing Arts, and some of the most prolific and amazing artistes of the music world have performed in the auditoriums and in open air theatre housed in the college campus.

Bhavan’s Cultural Centre Andheri (BCCA) was the result of the missionary zeal & vision of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Founder Kulapati Dr. K. M. Munshi and It represents cultural and spiritual life of India over the centuries and also the intellectual growth and maturing of the nation.   Munshiji visualized a multi-dimensional, multi-cultural, multi linguistic, multi religious center within the Andheri Campus of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan basically for preserving Indian heritage of performing arts, classical music and dance forms.

With this perspective in view, it was in October 2003 that Dr. M.L.Shrikant, Chairman, Bhavan’s Andheri Campus, visualized a dream of multi-lingual and multi-dimensional cultural center within the campus. Bhavan’s Cultural Centre – Andheri took on the mantle to provide an environment for growth of Arts & Culture in the suburbs at cost. The inaugural program of BCCA was held on 22^nd November, 2003 with a Hindustani Classical Vocal recital by Pt. Sanjeev Abhyankar. From there on the BCCA moved forward picking pace with every year. The Bhavan’s Cultural Centre, Andheri started its activities in the year 2004 and has completed 10 years of successful and glorious existence. It has grown from strength to strength and carved a niche for itself. Its programs are conducted at different locations in the spacious Munshi Nagar’s Bhavan’s Campus Andheri.

It is very important to remember the Founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (of which the Cultural center is a branch), Late Shri Kulapathi Dr.K M Munshiji. He was a true far-sighted visionary and practical idealist. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was founded by him in 1938 with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi. He wanted the Bhavan to contribute for the growth of education, languages, arts and culture in the country. The Cultural center is thus engaged in promoting culture and living up to his dreams. The center owes its success to its patrons, members, co-cultural organizations and social groups

The Bhavan’s Cultural Centre, Andheri, Mumbai is showcasing various cultural activities numbering around 200 every year. The center celebrates special annual programs such as Chitralekha Natya Spardha – Gujarati Drama Completion among drama groups from Gujarat and Mumbai, 3 day Shishir Sangeet Mahotsav wherein top notch musicians present Hindustani Classical Vocal and Instrumental performances. Classical Film Festivals and 7 Island International Film Festival are yearly features. Today Bhavan’s Cultural Centre, Andheri attracts scientists, poets, dancers and literary giants and some famous personalities from the country, north to south and east to west are invited to enlighten our audience.

The Centre is housed in a sprawling area of 1, 83,800 sq m, and has 5 venues for performance with a capacity of 300 to 700 spectators. No other single institution has achieved such a milestone.Here one can witness the creative talent and brilliance of Classical, Semi – Classical, Hindustani, Ghazal Geet, Sufiyaana Kalaam,Qawwali and also Instrumental presentations of the Greats we never even dream of seeing in real life. Dance festivals, talk shows and seminars on culture abound in this Centre and viewing such informative and productive programs is beneficial for all round progress and educating of the individual mind.

How can we forget the Prakruti Festival, which is a unique fest on environment, nature and wildlife photography, medicinal plants, flower show, nature trails, dog shows and pet care, and to top it all Folk Music and Yoga.

Lalit Shah, Administrator of BCCA, says: “Today looking at its phenomenal growth it is obvious from high audience presence for the programs offered during the year that Bhavan’s Cultural Centre has gained a wide popularity and recognition in this part of the metropolis beyond our wildest expectations. Contemporary thought provoking drama, creating awareness about ecology and heritage, screening of creative cinemas and other cultural events are promoted keeping in mind community’s aesthetic faculties.” Lalit Varma, Program Coordinator, a musician himself, assists in choosing the right type of Classical Music recitals to cater to the sensibilities of the audience.

Where do we get to witness such a giant conglomerate of hobbies and pastimes meshed together with culture and art? One visit to the Centre office and a walk down the campus with its magnificent Shiva temple and greenery all around, you may not want to go back home.

Contact Details:

Bhavan’s Cultural Centre,

Andheri (BCCA) Munshi Nagar,

Dadabhai Road, Andheri (W),

Mumbai - 400 058 India Off.

Tel.: +91-22-65280107, +91-22-32938017

Email:    bhavansculturalcentre@gmail.com

Feature by Subhashini Sheopuri