'Ghashiram Kotwal' in Hindi Stage; Veteran Hindi Actor Sanjay Mishra to Play the Central Role
'Ghashiram Kotwal', written by senior playwright Vijay Tendulkar, is a very important play on Marathi and Indian theater. Today marks 52 years since the first performance of 'Ghashiram Kotwal' (December 16, 1972). This play has been presented in about ten Indian languages and three languages worldwide. However, it has not been commercially presented in Hindi. Therefore, to bring this timeless play to Hindi speakers, writer-director Abhijit Panse and Bhalchandra Kubal have taken on the challenge of presenting it on the Hindi stage. The press conference for this play was recently held. Prominent guests such as renowned actor Makrand Deshpande, senior Hindi actor Sanjay Mishra, director Abhijit Panse and Bhalchandra Kubal, and dance director Phulwa Khamkar were present.
Speaking on the occasion, senior Hindi actor Sanjay Mishra said, 'I had a strong desire to do theater, but due to films, I couldn't find the time. 'Ghashiram Kotwal' is a timeless play of classical art, and its scope is very large. Getting the opportunity to do such a play was enriching for me as an actor. Therefore, after aligning with an excellent team, I agreed.' On one hand, while Marathi, Hindi film industry, and new mediums like OTT are gaining audience preference, plays have maintained their place in the hearts of the audience. Today's concerns, joys, and struggles are reflected in Marathi plays. Marathi theater is a stream, and plays should be viewed as the main medium of this stream, he added.
While wishing good luck to this play, actor Makarand Deshpande said that an actor brings a play to life. Especially, an immortal play like 'Ghashiram Kotwal' and the role in it is a challenge. It is certainly a big thing that seasoned actor Sanjay Mishra and studious director Abhijit Panse are taking on this challenge. I find it more important that such artworks reach the audience.
Director Abhijit Panse noted that we are presenting 'Ghashiram Kotwal' in Hindi with the intention of reaching non-Marathi audiences. In the original play, dance and music held an important place, keeping that in mind, the presentation of this play is adapted to today's times with live music featuring 12 to 15 instruments, showcasing Marathi Lavani and Qawwali, as mentioned by director Abhijit Panse.
Theater has been a medium of expression for many generations in Maharashtra. At such times, director Bhalchandra Kubal expressed joy in bringing this timeless play beyond the boundaries of language into Hindi.
The Hindi version of 'Ghashiram Kotwal' will be presented by Akanksha Mali's '33 AM Studio', Anita Palande, and director Abhijit Panse's Ravan Future Production. The play, adorned with powerful performances by actors Sanjay Mishra, Santosh Juvekar, and Urmila Kanitkar, will premiere on August 14 at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Bandra at 8 PM. Subsequent performances will be held on August 15 at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Bandra at 8 PM and on August 23 at Tata Theatre NCPA, at 8 PM. A cast of 60 actors will be working in the play.
The script of the Hindi play has been written by the renowned Hindi writer and poet Prof. Vasant Dev. Through this play, set against the backdrop of Peshwa-era history, Tendulkar has commented on the contemporary political situation. The ruling Nana Phadnavis manipulates Ghashiram Kotwal according to his whims, while also manipulating society. We encounter this Ghashiram in various fields daily, and this play, which presents a glimpse of the extremity of cruelty, can be considered timeless in that regard.
The songs in the play have been written by Professor Ashok Bagwe, Chandrashekhar Sanekar, Sunita Shukla Trivedi, and Mandar Deshpande. The set design is by Sandesh Bendre, choreography by Phulwa Khamkar, and music by Mandar Deshpande. Lighting design is by Harshvardhan Pathak, while costumes and costume design are by Abhijit Panse, costume skills by Chaitrali Dongre, and costume creation by Balwant Kajrolkar. The production head is Mandar Tillu, and the management responsibility has been handled by Santosh Mahadik.
The performances of this play will be held at the Tata Theatre at Nariman Point on behalf of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and Executive Officer Rajeshree Shinde expressed her joy regarding this collaboration, saying, "We are extremely delighted to be associated with the production of Ghashiram Kotwal. The anticipation for the new presentation of Vijay Tendulkar's prestigious play Ghashiram Kotwal has significantly increased among the audience."