Rat Infestation Disrupts Play at Pune Theatre; Woman’s Ordeal Sparks Hygiene Concerns

Kothrud, 3rd June 2025: A theatre performance at Pune’s Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha in Kothrud was disrupted over the weekend after a shocking incident involving a rat crawling into a woman’s saree mid-show, raising serious concerns about hygiene and maintenance standards at the venue.

The disturbing incident occurred on Saturday evening, even before the play had officially begun. Audience members had reportedly noticed several rats scurrying around the auditorium. As the play proceeded, one rat climbed into the saree of a female attendee, startling her and prompting her to rush out of the hall. Her husband quickly responded to calm the situation, preventing mass panic in the theatre.

Though the woman sustained only minor scratches from the rat’s claws, the experience left her visibly shaken. The performance was delayed by approximately 20 minutes, but the incident has since sparked a broader conversation about the deteriorating condition of public theatres across the city.

Long-Standing Issues Resurface-
Local theatre artists and patrons have long expressed dissatisfaction with the state of government-run cultural venues. Complaints have included broken seats, malfunctioning air conditioning systems, and unhygienic washroom facilities. This latest episode has amplified those concerns, with social media users widely sharing the incident and demanding accountability.

“Had it been a child or an elderly person, the consequences could have been far more serious,” noted one theatre-goer in a viral post.

Management Under Fire-
Civic authorities and theatre management are now facing increasing pressure to improve sanitation and safety protocols. While patrons are also being reminded not to bring food items into the auditorium—one of the leading causes of rodent infestations—many argue that the primary responsibility lies with the venue’s administration.

Regular pest control, routine maintenance, and stricter hygiene checks are among the key demands from the public. Artists and theatre groups have also urged local municipal bodies to treat cultural venues with the same urgency and funding as other public infrastructure.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the theatre’s management or the Pune Municipal Corporation, but sources indicate that a detailed inspection may soon be conducted in response to the growing public outcry.