Bengaluru apartments host intimate music and theatre events

At Adarsh Palm Retreat, 135 people left their footwear outside, settled into low seating and listened as singer Koyel Mukherjee performed songs and ghazals in a baithak-style evening. Jasmine garlands, candles and haldi-kumkum decorated the apartment community hall.

Residents in Bengaluru are using homes and apartment spaces for music, theatre and interactive performances. Attendees say the format reduces travel through city traffic, keeps crowds smaller and creates time to meet neighbours before and after a show.

Kiran Grover Adlakha, co-founder of Marasim Entertainment and a resident of Adarsh Palm Retreat, said the group plans to take similar programmes to Prestige Lakeside Habitat, Prestige Shantiniketan and Sobha Meadows. Music will remain the focus of its next events, with theatre a possible addition later.

A living room stage in CV Raman Nagar

In Purva Seasons, CV Raman Nagar, Vatsala Shrivastava hosts 40 to 60 people at her home through her programme, Art In The Living Room. She invites established artists for mostly interactive solo plays and performances, while attendees pay ticket costs directly to the artist.

Shrivastava provides the space, tea and snacks without charging or earning from the gatherings. Her guest list draws from her apartment community, her children’s school, professional circles and artist friends; she said the events have consistently filled up.

She is scheduled to host singer Anuradha Sivarajan in November for a programme spanning ghazals, Bollywood, folk, classical, Bengali and Western songs. Shrivastava said small-cast, minimalist and interactive productions suit homes better than shows requiring large ensembles or substantial props.

Smaller rooms, closer exchanges

Musician Manasi Prasad said the scale gives artists a more direct relationship with audiences, allowing them to explain pieces, read reactions and test material. Bengaluru-based artist Mansee Shah also works in intimate settings, including playback theatre, where performers enact stories shared by audience members.

Rashmi Sharma, an engineering director who attends home-based theatre, said she can watch a play near home while her 11-year-old daughter spends time with friends nearby. Guests often stay after performances to speak with artists and one another.