Thespians hail renaming Kolkata’s Star Theatre after Binodini Dasi as historic, yet futile

Sat Jan 11 10:01:54 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata’s Star Theatre Renamed in Honor of 19th-Century Actress Binodini Dasi

**KOLKATA, INDIA – January 11, 2025** – The iconic Star Theatre in Kolkata has been renamed Binodini Theatre, a move lauded by some as a long-overdue tribute to the celebrated 19th-century Bengali actress Binodini Dasi, but criticized by others for its symbolic limitations.

The renaming, announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on December 30th, has seen all signage at the auditorium updated to reflect the new name. However, the change is controversial. Theatre researchers argue the current Star Theatre, built in 1888, is not the same theatre originally intended to bear Binodini Dasi’s name. That original theatre, established in 1883, was demolished in 1930.

According to theatre researcher Suddhasatya Ghosh, the original theatre, located at 68 Beadon Street, was indeed meant to be named after Binodini Dasi. He claims she helped secure funding and even participated in its construction, sacrificing a personal relationship to achieve the goal. However, the theatre was registered as Star Theatre, a decision Binodini Dasi herself described as a betrayal in her autobiography, “Amar Katha” (My Story).

While the renaming is seen by some as a recognition of Binodini Dasi’s immense contribution to Bengali theatre, particularly her advocacy for female participation, others argue it’s insufficient. The current Binodini Theatre is a movie hall, not a dedicated theatre space, and bears no direct connection to the original theatre intended to honor the actress. Playwright and director Abanti Chakraborty, whose play “Binodini Opera” is a tribute to the actress, suggests that building a new theatre in Binodini Dasi’s name would have been a more fitting and lasting tribute. Both Mr. Ghosh and Ms. Chakraborty believe the renaming overshadows the history of the current building, which itself has a century-long history as Star Theatre. The original Beadon Street location now houses several small shops.

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