Zee5 offers variety of popular Marathi plays
During this lock down period what the regular Marathi theatre audience is missing is their favourite pastime of watching Marathi plays in drama theatres. For such people Zee Marathi has offered variety of old Marathi plays in video format. Some prominent pays in the list are, ‘Natasamrat’ starring Mohan Joshi and Rohini Hattangadi. ‘Aaranyak’ starring Dilip Prabhavalkar, Ravi Patwardhanand Pratibha Matkari.
1988 play ‘Kusum Manohar Lele’ starring Shubhangi Joshi, Bal Karve, Manda Desai and Dr. Girish Oak is also another attraction on this Zee5 app, besides another popular play ‘Vahato Hi Durvanchi Judi’ starring Subodh Bhave in the lead role. There is also ‘Kachecha Chandra’ starring Sharad Ponkshe and Harshada Khanvilkar while ‘Vegala Vhaychay Mala’ starring Nivedita Joshi and Jayant Savarkar is also another good choice. Among the other plays in the list are, ‘Pappa Sanga Kunache’ with Late Anand Patwardhan, ‘Goshta Janmantarichi’ with Mohan Joshi and ‘Ghar Shrimantanche’ with Sudhir Joshi.
Makarand Deshpande to make his acting debut on Marathi stage
Renowned Hindi stage and film actor Makarand Deshpande, who made began his acting career with Inter Collegiate Drama competitions, later turned writer director of many Hindi plays. He also performed in Hindi plays and was also seen in prominent roles in some of the Hindi films. Now, Makarand wants to make his acting debut in Marathi, through his favourite play ‘Sir,Premacha Kaay Karaycha’ which is written and directed by him.
Looking at the title of this play, it is clear that the play talks about ‘Love’ . But, it is a different type of love, which just happens. What if a girl student falls in love with her Sir ? This is what the subject of this film is all about. Along with Makarand, the other important artistes in this play are Ajay kamble, Aakansha Gade, Madhuri Gavali, Ninad Limaye and Aniket Bhoir. The inaugural show of this play is scheduled to be held on 19th December at Gadkari Rangayatan, Thane, followed by second show at kalidas , Mulund on 21st December 2019.
Speaking about his debut on Marathi stage, Makarand says, “I have written many Hindi plays over the years and also directed some of them besides acting. I have performed these plays in various parts of the country, like Gujarat, Rajastan, U.P., M.P, Kolkatta and Delhi. Now, I want to perform in my mother tongue Marathi and therefore I have selected my favourite drama for my debut on Marathi stage. I am sure that the Marathi audience would accept me in the same way I was accepted in Hindi.”
‘RangaVaikhari’ receives overwhelming response for ‘One act play’ competition
Rajya Marathi Vikas Sanstha which organizes State Level Marathi One Act Play competition for Colleges will be hosting their 3rd chapter this year with preliminary rounds to begin from 22nd to 26th December 2019 at different places in Mumbai, Amravati, Ratnagiri, Belgaum, Jalgaon, Nashik , Kolhpur, Ahmednagar and Pune regions. Compared to last year, this year the number of participating entries are more.
For th final third round which comprises of ‘Katharang’ will offer best stories of 25 prominent writers in Maharashtra and the teams will have to make a dramatic presentation of the subject using their creativity to write the script direction, choreography and music in 40 minutes duration. The names of the renowned authors whose stories have been selected are, C.V.Joshi, Narayan Dharap, Ranjit Desai, Madhu Mangesh Karnik, Rajan Khan, Shankarrao Kharat, D.B.Mokashi Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, Gauri Deshpande, Pratima Ingole, Urmila Pawar and others.
Looking at this big response, Now, it remains to be seen whether this year’s competition will be more impressive than what we saw last year.
Marathi Play ‘Zund’ will present Kiran Mane in a challenging role
‘Zund’ Marathi play, Actor Kiran Mane
Kiran Mane has always kept a low profile. Having started his acting career through experimental theatre, Kiran came to Mumbai from Satara via Pune , when he broke the journey to join the theatre of workshop of Pt. Satyadev Dubey . Thereafter, he began his journey on stage with ‘Gandhi Virrudh Gandhi’, ‘Manomilan’, ‘Wada Chirebandi’. Later, with sensational Marathi play ‘Govind Ghya Kuni Gopal Ghya’, ‘Maayleki’, ‘Tee Geli Tevha’, ‘Shree Tashi Sou’ and ‘Perfect Mismatch’ , he established himself as a versatile actor, having won several awards for his performance. Kiran was also seen in television serials, but theatre has always been his first love.
Kiran will now be seen in forthcoming Marathi play ‘Zund’, the inaugural show of which will be held on 14th December 2019 at Prabodhankar Thackeray Auditorium , Borivali. This will be Kiran’s 10th commercial play and he seems to be very excited with the kind of challenging role he is playing in this play. ” This is a Mind boggling subject. And my character in this play will take me to greater heights.” Written by Samar Khadas, produced by Santosh Kanekar and directed by Pradeep Mulye, this play also stars Akshar Kothari, Shriram Gadgil, Sagar Athlekar, Pradeep Patwardhan, Sagar Pawar and Pooja Raibagi. This play is presented by Zee Marathi.
Marathi Play ‘Daha By Daha’ reaches Golden Jubilee mark
Family related subjects have always invited the attention of Marathi drama lovers. One such subject presented through recently launched Marathi Play ‘Daha By Daha’ produced by Sachin Narkar, Vikas Pawarand Aakash Pendharkar has also received overwhelming response from the Marathi theatre audience . In a very short time this play will perform the Golden Jubilee show, which certainly needs appreciation.
‘Daha By Daha’ presents the story of Ghadigaonkar family living a simple traditional lifestyle. But, how this family breaks this traditional comfort zone to attempt something different is the focus of this play. And it is for this reason the play has successfully marched to Golden Jubilee show shortly with the positive response from the audience.
This play stars Vijay Patkar, Prathamesh Parab, Supriya Pathare, Vidisha Mhaskar, Gaurav Malankar and Amir Tadwalkar. Sanjay Jamkhandi and Vaibhav Sanap are the writers while Aniket Patil has directed this play. Music by Ashutosh Waghmare, Light effects by Vijay Gole , production design by Sandesh Bendre, make up by Hitesh Pawar and dress design by Rashmi Sawant are the other credits.
Reacting to their success the producer and team members have said that they themselves have also taken inspiration from the Ghadigaonkar family presented through this play and are looking forward to achieve their next milestones of 100, 500 and 1000 shows.
Shruja Prabhudesai to portray an important character of Bayo in ‘Himalayachi Savali’
Every actress has a dream to play a role which should extract her acting potential to the maximum. For stage and television actress Shruja Prabhudesai this opportunity has walked in with the most important role of ‘Bayo’ in the revived 1972 popular play ‘Himalayachi Savali’. Along with her in the lead role is Sharad Ponkshe who will play the character of Nanasaheb.
The inaugural show of this revived Marathi play will be held on Sunday 29th September in Nashik. Incidentally, Nashik also happens to be the birthplace of the writer of this play Prof. Vasant kanetkar. Directed by Rajesh Deshpande the play also stars Jayant Ghate, Vighnesh Joshi, Kapil Redkar, Omkar Karve, Krushna Rajshekhar, Prakash Sable, Makarand Navghare, Vasantika Walke, Pankaj Khamkar.
Made under the banner of Supriya Productions, this play is produced by Prakash Desai Pratishthan & Avdoot Productions. Govind Chavan and Prakash Desai are presenting this play with music by Rahul Ranade. Art direction Sandesh Bendre, costumes-Mangal Kenkre, production designer- Subhash Redkar are the other credits of this play.
Speaking about her role in this play, Shruja says, “This is the most challenging role I am playing, which has different shades. I am learning a lot during rehearsals, as I am portraying a character which is more older than my age, keeping in mind the body language and expressions of that character. Being from Konkan belt, I was comfortable with the required accent from this character.”
Sachit Patil returns to stage with Paresh Rawal presented Marathi play ‘Maharathi’
Writer Uttam Gada found fame with his super hit long running Gujarati Play ‘Maharathi’ directed and enacted by Paresh Rawal which was played in multiple languages in different countries. Now, Paresh Rawal has presented this play in Marathi, which finds good audience. This adaptation in Marathi is translated by Shweta Pendse and is Directed by Vijay Kenkre. It is understood that the original writer’s plot is inspired by a James Hadley Chase novel, “There’s Always a Price Tag”. And this will surely invite the attention of Marathi theatre audience.
Incidentally, in a short time this play produced by Vinayak Gavande & Ninad karpe under the banner of Badam Raja Productions has been receiving good response and the next two back to back shows will be staged on Friday 30th August @4.30 pm at Gadkari Rangayatan, Thane followed by Saturday 8 pm show on 31st August 2019 at Shivaji Mandir , Dadar.
Popular Marathi film star Sachit Patil has returned to Marathi stage after a long time through this suspense filled play. The other main artistes of this play are, Sunil Tawde, Madhavi Nimkar, Vivek Gore, Archana Nipankar, Sunil Jadhav & Vijay Kenkre. Lyrics by Mandar Chonkar, music by Ajit Parab, light effects by Sheetal Talpade and costumes by Mangal kenkre are the other credits of this play.
Sharad Ponkshe to return to Marathi stage with ‘Himalayachi Sawali’
Sharad Ponkshe who had kept himself away from acting field for some time, especially Marathi stage, is now returning with a revived popular play ‘Himalayachi Sawali’ written by legendary playwright late Vasant Kanetkar. In the recent past, we have seen the success formula adopted by producers of Marathi plays to revive old hit Marathi plays with new artistes and directors.
Now, presenters Govind Chavan and Prakash Desai along with director Rajesh Deshpande are bringing back this 40 year old popular Marathi play of yesteryear for the new generation. And the inaugural show of this revived play will be held on 29th September in Nashik, which was the birthplace of late Vasant kanetkar.
Speaking about this revived version of the play, director Rajesh Deshpande says, “It is big responsibility on us to present this masterwork, as we had to take care so as to not disturb the original writing and present it in a new set up. I am sure the older generation people will surely revive their old memories and at the same time the new generation will understand the strength of old plays.”
In the original play Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Shanta Jog and Ashok Saraf had played the lead characters, whereas in this revived version Sharad Ponkshe will portray the role of Nanasaheb along with Shruja Prabhudesai, Jayant Ghate, Vighnesh Joshi, Kapil Redkar, Meenal Bal & Krushna Rajshekhar . Music by Rahul Ranade, art direction by Sandesh Bendre,Costumes by Mangala Kenkre and Subhash Redkar as production Controller are the other credits of this play.
After television Gayatri Datar to experience theatre
Gayatri Datar who made her dream come true by performing with actor Subodh Bhave in popular TV serial ‘Tula Pahate Re’, will now experience Marathi theatre, by performing in Children’s play ‘Nimma Shimma Rakshas’ to be directed by Chinmay Mandlekar. This hit play of yesteryear, written by Ratnakar Matkari has already received overwhelming response in the past, ever since the writer wrote this wonderful play in 1963.
It may be recalled that Gayatri who played the lead role of Isha in ‘Tula Pahate re’ was a child, when she received a prize at the hands of actor Subodh Bhave some years ago. And at that time, she had expressed her desire that one day she would act with him. Now that this serial has come to an end, Isha has a lot of time to devote herself for this Marathi play and she is expected to attract the little ones for her play. Isha who has also experienced big screen, having performed in Ajinkya Lokhande’s Marathi short film ‘Intolerence’ is also excited to perform on stage, which she feels is also an important medium of entertainment.
Is there enough for children this vacation from Marathi Theatre?
Come summer vacation and find lots of morning shows of Children’s plays at places like Mumbai, Thane and Pune. And, this has been a good way to divert the attention of little children from the video games and television cartoon shows towards which they are more addicted today. So, let us find out whether there is enough for such children this vacation from Marathi Theatre? Taking a glimpse at the ongoing shows, we found that there were few interesting children’s plays going on at different places.
To top it all was Laxmi Narayan Productions ‘Jungle Book The Treasure’ which was staged at Balwant Phadke Auditorium, Panvel. This play has the attraction of presenting a 20 ft Dinassoure and 7 ft Gorilla to entertain the kids. It is the first Marathi children’s play to win National award. This play is written and directed by Preeti Dalvi Chorghe. Then, there are two shows of ‘Chandoba Chandoba Bhaglas Ka’ directed by Ketan Kshirsagar on Sunday and Monday @4.30 pm at Damodar Hall, Parel and Dinanath , Vile Parle respectively . But, is this enough to entertain the little children? We need many more Children’s plays during vacation time.