Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi Theatre is a theatre and non-profit arts organisation located in Juhu, Mumbai. Established in 1978 to promote Hindi theatre, it has its origins in Prithvi Theatres, a travelling theatre company founded by Prithviraj Kapoor in 1944, who was the spearhead of one of the most influential actor and director families in Bollywood, the Kapoor family. The company toured extensively across India for sixteen years and played an influential role in the development of modern Hindi theatre. The present theatre was established by Prithviraj Kapoor’s son, actor Shashi Kapoor, and his wife, Jennifer Kapoor, in fulfilment of his long-held vision of creating a permanent home for his repertory company. Designed by architect Ved Segan, the theatre was inaugurated on 5 November 1978. Jennifer Kapoor supervised its construction and administration until her death in 1984. Shashi Kapoor subsequently served as its Managing Trustee, while the theatre’s day-to-day management was undertaken by their son, Kunal Kapoor, who currently serves as Managing Trustee. Prithvi Theatre stages performances every day except Monday and organises an annual summer programme of workshops and plays for children. Its regular events include the "Prithvi Memorial Concert", held on 28 February, and the annual "Prithvi Theatre Festival" in November, which was first launched in 1978. The theatre also collaborates on a range of public programmes promoting language, poetry, international cinema, documentaries, and the performing arts, many of which are offered free of charge.