Associated with names like Prithviraj Kapoor, K L Sehgal, Shashi Kapoor, his wife Jennifer, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, Gaiety Theatre on Thursday was again set for action — after five years of restoration work.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal dedicated to artistes and performers the newer, leaner avatar of the 122-year-old theatre built in a unique Neo-Gothic style. The facelift has cost around Rs 12 crore.

Originally, the theatre had a height of 64 metres, but now it has been reduced to 32 metres. “We have created enough space for artistes to use Gaiety for any form of promotional activities. An open-air theatre and proposed city museum will add to its glory,” said B K Aggarwal, Secretary, art and culture. “Due care was taken to bring Gaiety to its original form.”

The first show on the first day was jampacked when renowned Kathak dancer Prerna Shrimali performed. A musical show by Poonam Sharma, a photo exhibition on Gaiety’s history, and an art exhibition of artefacts and sculptures by Lalit Kala Akademi were other highlights.

When it came to clapping, Dhumal gave due credit to Ved Segan, the architect who supervised the restoration work. In the same breath, however, the CM thanked former Union minister Jagmohan who had sanctioned Rs 5.13 crore for the restoration, and “the previous Congress government and the team which worked to put the theatre in its form and action”. He invited all art lovers to make Gaiety a cultural and art hub.

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