Category Archives: Theatre

World Theatre Day, let us salute all those great personalities, who contributed to this field.

World Theatre Day

Since 1961, March 27th is being celebrated as a World Theatre Day. Every year a message, is delivered across five continents, by a prominent international theatre personality. This year, it was by Krzysztof Warlikowski from Polland.

During the olden days, in our country there existed Sanskrit theatre. Hundreds of such plays were written, during ancient times. But, when we started getting ruled by outsiders, the theatre took a backseat. However, during the freedom struggle, our very own village theatre came in handy, to deliver the messages of our freedom fighters to the masses. Marathi theatre too did its bit during this period.

Today, Marathi theatre is considered as one of topmost theatres, in the country, as it has always handled social issues strongly; without compromising on entertainment values. Personalities like, Dinanath Mangeshkar, Bal Gandarva, Prabhakar Panshikar, Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Pu La Deshpande, Vikram Gokhale, Satish Dubhashi, Nilu Phule, Ashok Saraf, Dilip Prabhavalkar, among so many others, come to our mind. And, their contribution to marathi theatre, is considered extensively high. Marathi dramas, like Sangeet Manapaman, Ekach Pyala, Ghashiram Kotwal, Ti Phularani, are a few among plenty others, which have entertained marathi theatre viewers.

Today, majority of marathi audience do support Marathi dramas in a big way, in spite of the invasion of television, rising ticket prices etc. Also majority of the artistes are using theatre, as a training ground ; before moving to television serials and films.
On World Theatre Day, let us salute all those great personalities, who contributed to this field.

 

Sharad Ponkshe, Ashwini Ekbote, marathi natak

Emotion filled ‘Tya Tighanchi Goshta’ touches your heart

Sharad Ponkshe, Ashwini Ekbote, marathi natak

Kumar Sohoni has always dealt with different subjects on human relations. Through all his 51 plays directed so far, he has offered ample talents to Marathi theatre. This time, through his play ‘Tya Tighanchi Goshta’ , he has explored the relationship between a separated couple Dinanath and Suman Daftardar ( Sharad Ponkshe & Ashwini Ekbote) . How it has the effect on their grown up 19 year old daughter Deepti ( Dnyanada Panase) is shown very cleverly by the director. The play is written by well known psychiatrist and writer Dr.Anand Nadkarni, which makes it more interesting subject, as he has very skillfully presented the emotional sides of each one of these three important characters.

Produced by Ashok Narkar and Sharad Bagwe, the play begins with the close bonding shown between mother (who is a college professor) and her daughter, who is studying in the final year, at the same college. The father, an IAS officer, who has separated from his wife and daughter, 15 years ago, is now Municipal Commissioner of the same city, where Mother and daughter are residing. Though Mother and daughter are not connected with Mr. Dinanath Daftardar, they are in touch with his close associates Nana his personal secretary and Mangesh, his old classmate and Journalist friend.

One fine day, Nana visits Ms. Daftardar to invite her for the felicitation function of her husband, who is to be honoured by the chief Minister of state. This is followed by a personal phone call and personal visit of Dinanath Daftardar to meet his wife and grown up daughter. Having heard about her father, through her mother, Deepti is initially reluctant to meet her father; but, later decides to face him, to know the reason from him, for deserting his wife and her. But, it is the mother, being very possessive about her daughter, becomes more worried, thinking that her grown up daughter would change her opinion about her father, after meeting him.

At this stage, the writer and the director are clearly noticed, with their competence to take forward this delicate emotion filled subject, with interesting happenings . In the climax scene, Deepti converses with the audience, seeking their opinion, on what she did, was ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. ‘Tya Tighanchi Goshta’ presents the most relevant subject timely, to convey a strong message to the society. And, it has succeeded in creating a strong impact on all age groups. The story presented through this play, does not take side of any one of the characters, but very cleverly presents their attitude, with passage of time.

Both Sharad Ponkshe and Ashwini Ekbote, have portrayed their characters with complete understanding of the situation, at every stage in this play. They have proved that they are versatile artistes. They find good support from the character artistes Jayant Ghate and Vivek Joshi. But, the girl who steals the show, is young Dnyanada Panase. She seems to be a perfect choice of the director. And, she has proved his selection right. In fact, she has given a brilliant performance in the role of Deepti. Watch her reaction and body language, in every important scene, be it with mother or father; which goes on to say a lot about her gifted talent. She is so flawless. Good background music and suitable light and set designing, are the other plus points of this play. Certainly a worth watch, for the entire family.

Rating:fullfullfullfull

Hasva Fasvi ( हसवा फसवी ) Marathi Natak

Hasava Fasvi Marathi Play
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Rating: na
Opening Date: 2013 (27 October)
Production House: Jigisha and Ashtavinayak Nirmit
Producer(s): Dilip Jadhav, Shripad Padmakar
Presenter: na
Writer: Dilip Prabhavalkar
Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni
Official Facebook Page I  Twitter

Producer(s):  Dilip Jadhav, Shripad Padmakar
Co-producer(s): na
Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni
Assistant Director: na
Writer:  Dilip Prabhavalkar
Dialogues: na
Artist:  Pushkar Shrotri, Satish Joshi, Vaikhari Pathak
Set Design: Pradip Mulye
Lights: na
Costume: na
Background Music: na
Makeup: na
Costume Designer:  na
Hair Style: na
Art: na
Lyrics:  na
Music: Ajit Parab
Playback singers: na
Choreographer : na
Publicity Designs: na

‘Hasva Fasvi': na

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Hasava Fasvi Marathi Play

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A Fair Deal (अ फेअर डील) Marathi Natak.

A Fair Deal Marathi Drama
Genres: Family Drama
Rating: na
Opening Date: 2015 (26 March)
Production House: Maharashtra Rangbhumi And Siddhivinayak.
Producer(s): Shekhar Lohkare,Mohan Patel , Kiran Sharma
Presenter: Maharashtra Cultural Center.
Writer:Vivek Bele
Director:Vivek Bele
Official Facebook Page I  Twitter

Producer(s): Shekhar Lohkare,Mohan Patel , Kiran Sharma
Co-producer(s): na
Director:Vivek Bele
Writer: Vivek Bele
Dialogues: na
Artist: Anand Ingale ,Manjusha Godse,Shruti Atre,Saurabh Gogate,Nachiket Devsthali.
Set Design: Rajan Bhise
Lights: Sameer Nakhate,Pradeep Vaidya.
Costume:na
Background Music: na
Makeup: na
Costume Designer: na
Hair Style: na
Art: na
Lyrics:  na
Music:Narendra Bhide.
Playback singers: na
Choreographer :na
Publicity Designs: na

‘A Fair Deal': na

 A Fair Deal Marathi Drama

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Sharad & Chinmay dominate Marathi stage

Sharad Ponkshe, Chinmay Mandlekar

Don’t ask how some of our Marathi stage actors manage two plays at a time. Two of our leading Marathi actors are at present managing two Marathi plays each; that too in the lead role. Sharad Ponkshe is already in great form with his new play ‘Tya Tighanchi Goshta’. At the same time, he is also staging his favourite play ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy!’. If you find him doing one play today, the next day, you find him in another play.

 

The same is the case with Writer-actor Chinmay Mandlekar. His latest play ‘Samudra’ has picked up well, with regular shows now. At the same time, we find him doing his favourite play ‘Mr. & Mrs’ In fact, he is managing two different plays on the same day; i.e. one at 4.0 pm and the other at 8.30 pm. at other venue. Isn’t that something worth appreciating ?

Wada Chirebandi (वाडा चिरेबंदी) Marathi Natak

Wada Chrebandi Marathi Play Poster
Genres: Drama
Rating: na
Opening Date: na
Production House:  Jigisha and Ashtavinayak Nirmit
Producers: Dilip Jadhav, Shripad Padmakar
Presenter: Chandrakant Kulkarni
Writer: Mahesh Elkunchvar
Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni
Official Facebook Page I  Twitter

Producer(s):  Dilip Jadhav, Shripad Padmakar
Co-producer(s):  Sanjyot Vaidya, Arjun Mudda
Director: Chandrakant Kulkarni
Writer: Mahesh Elkunchvar
Dialogues: na
Artist:  Nivedita Saraf, Bharati Patil, Siddheshwar Zadbuke, Neha Joshi, Pournima Manohar, Pratima Joshi, Vinita Shinde, Ajinkya Nanavare, Vaibhav Mangle, Prasad Oak
Set Design: Pradip Mulye
Lights: Ravi-Rasik
Costume: na
Background Music: na
Makeup: na
Costume Designer: na
Hair Style: na
Art: na
Lyrics:  na
Music: Anand Modak
Playback singers: na
Choreographer : na
Publicity Designs: na

‘Wada Chirebandi': ‘WADA’ is Chetan Datar’s edited version of the famous ‘WADA’ trilogy plays by Mahesh Elkunchwar. Awishkar’s production instead of beginning with ‘WADA CHIREBANDI’ (the first play of the trilogy) begins with the final scene from ‘YUGANT’ which is last in the trilogy. Datar’s attempt at turning a seven-odd hour play into a two-hour one remains to be seen. It nevertheless is an opportunity to live the texts, especially ‘WADA CHIREBANDI’ which has come to be considered as one of the classics of Marathi Literature.

Wada Chrebandi Marathi Play Poster

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‘Aai Tula Mee Kuthe Thevu’- An emotion filled timely drama

aai mi tula kuthe theu marathi natakIf some one doesn’t treat you right, you should have enough respect for yourself to leave them. But, what would the older people do, if their children keep tossing them from one place to other. We have seen this happen in popular Bollywood film ‘Baghbaan’. New Marathi play written by Ashok Patole and directed by Purushottam Berde, shows the plight of a older widow (Rohini Hattangadi) , who has been brought by her younger son, to her old place, where his brother and sister in law live. Her younger son and his wife live at a different locations. Both these places have been provided to them by her late husband, who was holding a very high position in a big company.

Both her sons ( Rupersh Patole & Siddhesh Shelar) do care for their mother; but in presence of their wives( Surbhi Bhave & Yogini Chouk), they listen to whatever their wives say. So, in short, the mother is not happy at both the places, as she has become a burden for the wives of two sons. The younger son drops her mother to his elder brother’s house, only because he wants his own mother to say something in the documentary on ‘Indian Mothers’ being made by him. In comes a slim and fit old lady of her age (Manda Desai) , who is also mother of her elder daughter in law. She suggests to her daughter’s mother-in- law to remain fit like her.

The real drama begins, when both the daughters in law are together, and there are some exchange of words, which turns into a physical handling of their mother-in-law. This particular scene shows, to what extent some of the daughters in law can go, when it comes to confronting the elders. But, the old lady is smart enough to turn the tables on her both daughters in law. In the post interval session, there is a sudden twist and we find the change in attitude of both the daughters in law. Obviously, for the share of property. Even both the sons now insist on their mother to stay with them, to please her. But the old mother has a different game plan to teach a lesson to her daughters in law; only to conclude the play with happy ending.

Rohini Hattangadi, who has returned to stage after so many years, is simply superb, through her performance. The way she walks with a stick, her emotions, her body language, everything could be noticed very clearly, through her dialogue delivery. She gets a loud applause at her entry on stage, which speaks everything. In the roles of both the daughters in law Surbhi Bhave and TV star Yogini Chouk have played their negative roles, with total conviction, to make the confrontation with their mother in law, look more effective. In the roles of two sons, Rupesh Patole and Siddhesh Shelar look suitable. Manda Desai brings in some humour, through her amusing character. In short, the performances of all the artistes, are brilliant, indicating an excellent team work.

The sound and light effects have been used well, to present seriousness in some of the sequences. Writer Ashok Patole has clearly suggested, how important it is for the elders to preserve their wealth and not to transfer anything in their children’s name. Besides wealth, he has also given a message through one of the characters, the importance of physical fitness, in older age, to remain self sufficient. Director Purushottam Berde has given this play a touch of Saas- bahu drama, in a different way, which lasts for about 2 hours and 35mins. Certainly a worth watch for all.

‘Mr. & Mrs.’ Present Bold and Scandalous plot

mr-and-mrs-play-poster Banner: Terracomm presents, Atharva prakashit, Rutuja Productions.
Director:Priyadarshan Jadhav.
Story: Aslam Parvez.
Cast: Chinmay Mandlekar, Madhura Velankar Satam, Priyadarshan Jadhav, Aniruddha Joshi, Yashashree Upasani, Amit Surve.

‘Mr. & Mrs.’ Present Bold and Scandalous plot
Marathi theatre has always attempted bold and sensational subjects. New Marathi play ‘Mr. & Mrs.’ falls in this category; but it has turned scandalous, looking at its main plot. Directed by ‘Fu Bai Fu’ fame Priyadarshan Jadhav, this is not a romantic comedy, as expected; but, a bold and shocking subject, set on the backdrop of a scandalous reality show. Written by Aslam Parvez, the play presents a couple Amit ( Chinmay Mandlekar ) and Meera( Madhura Velankar Satam ) , who have completed six years of married life. While Amit , a former TV star is without work, his wife works for a Financial institution and manages the house.

Always doubting his wife’s association with her office colleague Rohan, frustrated Amit spends his time smoking, sometimes drinking and talking to his pet dog Silver, till he meets his old producer friend Ashwin( Priyadarshan Jadhav) . From him he receives an unusual offer to perform in a reality show, shooting of which is to take place in his own house. It’s all in ‘Big Boss’ style, with hidden cameras placed in his house including bedroom, except for bathroom, with Amit and Meera as participants. The idea is to present something cheeky & scandalous about the actor’s personal married life, which is supposed to end with real divorce in the climax. His wife is however, kept in dark about this show, which is shot in their own house, with Ashwin keeping track of the happenings through closed circuit cameras. He only gives directions to Amit, about the next situation through microphone, with the help of his crew posted outside.

mr-mrs-play-marathi-Initially, Amit is reluctant to accept this offer; but looking at the lucrative offer price, he agrees to do it. At a particular point, watching his wife’s bedroom video on Ashwin’s mobile, Amit turns furious and decides to back out. But, shrewd Ashwin shows his real colours and tries to blackmail Amit. In the climax, Meera having come to know about her husband’s plans and decides to leave the house, giving him a surprise news.

The play moves well till the interval, generating interest; but the usage of bad language intermittently, spoils the show. There was absolutely no need to use foul language, which is otherwise censored in Marathi films and TV serials. Even Bollywood films censor such bad words, uttered in films or issue A certification, or blowing the whistle. Traditional Marathi theatre audience, who come with high hopes of watching something good, should not be taken for granted. Even a famous Hollywood Cowboy style foul word has been openly uttered on the stage, shocking some of the sensible audience in theatre.

Talking about the plus points, the play has been able to present something different on the stage, with the use of Video screens installed at four places around, to show the screening of images captured by hidden cameras. Rishikesh kamerkar’s music is apt for certain important occasions. Madhura’s dress designs and hair styles are something special to give her glamorous looks. But, the costumes used by Chinmay look very cheap. Set design and lighting are good and so are the performances of the artistes.

Both Chinmay and Madhura have performed their roles with ease. Chinmay gets an opportunity to express his inner feelings on two occasions, in the post interval session and he does a good job, like a versatile actor. In the climax scene, Madhura instead of reacting sharply on her husband’s deeds, chooses to offer no reaction, which was surprising. Even,her low voice could not be heard clearly by the audience sitting in back rows, as observed by their reaction after the show.

As an actor, Priyadarshan has paid more attention on his voice over microphone conversation with Amit; though he has few scenes on stage too. In the supporting cast, Aniruddha Joshi, Yashashree Upasani, and Amit Surve have offered good backing. Yashasree has been used in double part very cleverly. Barring the occasional foul language and the ineffective climax, ‘Mr.& Mrs.’ has offered a variety, presenting something unconventional on Marathi stage.

अजरामर मराठी नाटक ‘वस्त्रहरण’ झी मराठीवर

vastraharan-marathi-natak

गेल्या काही वर्षांपासून जुन्या मराठी नाटकांना नव्याने रंगमंचावर आणण्याचे प्रयोग होत आहेत. जुने नाटक नवीन कलाकारांना घेऊन, ते प्रेक्षकांपुढे मांडण्यात येत आहेत. आणि त्यातल्या काही नाटकांना प्रेकशकाचा चांगला प्रतिसादही मिळतोय, त्या निमित्ताने मराठीतील दिग्गजांची जुनी नाटके आजच्या प्रेक्षकांपर्यंत पोहचत आहेत. त्यातलचे एक नाटक म्हणजे ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मराठी नाटकांच्या इतिहासातलं एक मानाचं पान…. मराठी मानाचा मानबिंदू ….. मराठी रसिकांच्याच नव्हे तर मराठी कलावंतांच्याही जिव्हाळ्याचा खास विषय असलेलं…. मराठी रंगभूमीवरचं एक देदीप्यमान भरजरी लेणं…. अवतरणार आहे, येत्या रविवारी २८ एप्रिलला दुपारी १ वाजता आणि सायं. ७ वाजता महाराष्ट्राच्या लाडक्या वाहिनीवर अर्थात झी मराठीवर !

१६ फेब्रुवारी १९८० या दिवशी खग्रास ग्रहणाच्या मुहूर्तावर मच्छिंद्र कांबळी या कलावंतांनं आपलं स्वप्न रंगमंच्यावर आणलं. भद्रकाली प्रॉडक्शन्सच्या ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मालवणी भाषेतल्या पहिल्यावहिल्या नाटकाचा रंगमंच्यावर उदय झाला. महाभारतातील द्रौपदी वस्त्रहरणावर आधारित या फार्सिकल नाटकात तात्या सरपंचाच्या भूमिकेतील मच्छिंद्र कांबळी वगळता कुणीही कलाकार नावाजलेला नव्हता. मात्र या अदभुत फार्सला रसिकांनी उदंड प्रतिसाद दिला आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ च्या पदरी भरपूर दान टाकले. या नाटकाचे धुवांधार प्रयोग सुरु झाले. अल्पावधीत या नाटकाने १०० चा आकडा ओलांडला आणि १७५ व्या प्रयोगाला महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके साहित्यिक पु. ल. देशपांडे यांनी खास उपस्थिती लावली. पु. ल. नि या नाटकाचे वारेमाप कौतुक केले आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ची गाडी भरधाव वेगाने धावू लागली.

यानंतर ‘वस्त्रहरण’ च्या प्रयोगाचा दौरा निर्माते दिग्दर्शक मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी लंडनला आखला लंडनच्या या दौऱ्यात दोन प्रयोगासाठी त्यावेळचे मराठी रंगभूमीवरचे अनभिषिक्त सम्राट डॉ. काशिनाथ घाणेकर यांनी तयारी दर्शविली. गाणकोकिळा लता मंगेशकर या प्रयोगाच्या वेळी विशेष अतिथी म्हणून उपस्थित होत्या. लंडन दौऱ्याची जय्यत तयारी झाली आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ मधल्या अनेक कलाकारांना व्हिसा मिळणे कठीण झाले. तेव्हा बाळासाहेब ठाकरे मध्यस्थी करून या सर्व कलाकारांच्या व्हिसासाठी प्रयत्न केले आणि ‘वस्त्रहरण’ परदेशात पोहचले. परदेशातही रसिकांनी या नाटकाला अक्षरश: डोक्यावर घेतले. ‘वस्त्रहरण’ हे पुढे हज्जारो प्रयोगांचे मनोरे रचले. वस्त्रहरण नाटकाच्या लोकप्रियतेचे अनेक आघाडीच्या कलाकारांनाही अप्रूप वाटत रहिले. या नाटकात आपणही असावे, अशी अनेकांना उत्कंठा असे म्हणूनच वस्त्रहरणाच्या आठशेव्या आणि हजाराव्या प्रयोगात मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी नाना पाटेकर (भीम), सचिन पिळगावकर (विदूर), अशोक सराफ (धर्म), लक्ष्मीकांत बेर्डे, मास्टर भगवानदादा सतीश पुळेकर यांसारख्या कलाकारांना एकत्र झळकावण्याचा अनोखा विक्रम केला. ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ने असे अनेक आगळे वेगळे विक्रम नोंदवले.

या अजरामर नाटकाने मालवणी भाषेचा झेंडा विविध देशात फडकवला. मराठी रसिकांना मालवणीची खास गोडी लावली आणि मालवणी नाटकाचा ओघ सातत्याने मराठी रंगमाच्यावर सुरु ठेवला परंतु दुर्देवाने ‘वस्त्रहरण’ ची यशाची घोडदौड सुरु असतांना या नाटकाचे सर्वेसर्वा मच्छिंद्र कांबळी यांनी कायमची एक्झिट घेतली. मात्र त्यांच्या पश्चात त्यांचे चिरंजीव प्रसाद कांबळी यांनी या नाटकाच्या पाच हजाराव्या प्रयोगाचे मछिंद्र कांबळी यांचे स्वप्न मराठी चित्रपट आणि नाट्य वर्तुळातील प्रसिद्ध कलावंताना घेऊन पूर्ण केले. भरत जाधव, मकरंद अनासपुरे, प्रशांत दामले, संजय नार्वेकर, सिद्धार्थ जाधव, जितेंद्र जोशी, पंढरीनाथ कांबळे यांसारख्या कलावंकानी ‘वस्त्रहरण’ चा ५००० वा प्रयोग तितकाच गाजवला. मालवणी अभिनय सम्राट मछिंद्र कांबळी यांनी मराठी रंगभूमीला दिलेलं हे जरतारी लेणं झी मराठी येत्या रविवारी २८ एप्रिलला दुपारी १ वाजता आणि सायं ७ वाजता रसिकांच्या भेटीला आणत आहे.

ABMNP, Borivali celebrate Jagtik Rangabhoomi Din

abmnpOn the occasion of World theatre Day(Jagatik Rangabhoomi Din), Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natyaparishad, Borivali Branch organised a classical singing competition at their premises at Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium on Wednesday evening. 33 singers coming from far off places like Vashi, Thane, kalian & Dombivali took part in the preliminary round; which went on throughout the evening. The eight short listed singers, were then given an opportunity to participate in the final round in the Mini auditorium, late in the evening.

Mr. Suhas Kamat organised the show, under the auspices of Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, Borivali Branch. Mr. Pradeep kabre , president of Borivali Branch of ABMNP, was personally present along with other newly elected office bearers. Mr. Mohan Marathe, Aparna Aparajit and Dnyanesh Pendharkar played the role of Judges, to declare the winners.
The consolation prizes were given to Saurabh Vakhare and Seema Tade, while the first three winners were as follows: 1) Gautami Chiplunkar 2) Suren Pandit and 3) Swapnil Paranjape.