Art, theatre world reverberated with activities last week

Barring the demise of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh chief Manohar Mhaisalkar which shocked connoisseurs of art and theatre, the week was buzzing with entertainment galore
Theatre for the reformist
Social reformist, folk poet and writer Annabhau Sathe is credited as the founding father of ‘Dalit Literature’ in Marathi. The Swarmanthan Group, Eklavya Trust, Sahas Trust and South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) jointly organized this theatre festival for the first time in Nagpur in his memory. Nine one-act plays, inspired by the writings of Sathe were presented in the two-day event. Gandharva Group Amravati’s ‘Mariaaicha Gada’ won the first prize, while Artist Hub Nagpur’s ‘Sher Ki Garjana’ finished second. The theatre of performing arts, Amravati, claimed the third prize for the play ‘Fakira’. Former mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, who was present at the prize distribution function, assured that the NMC will sponsor this festival once the elected body takes charge.
A play for senior citizens
A show of Nagpur’s famous theatre artist and playwright Roshan Nandavanshi’s play ‘Kashi Kshan Ayushyache’ (A few moments of life) was organized especially for senior citizens at the Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium. The play was written, directed and presented in a way that senior citizens became nostalgic on seeing how life has changed over the decades and how the present generation is missing the human affection and joy in maintaining relationships. Artists Rohini and Manish Moharil presented different stages of the life of a couple from different generations in a cheerful manner. The play was presented with special support from the Central government’s department of culture.
Music, psychology and sex
A unique blend of music, human psychology and informative talk on sexual wellness was organized on Monday to mark ‘World Mental Health Day’. SCZCC, Mind Park Foundation, Nirayama Trust and Ruturaj Cultural Group joined hands for this event held at the Scientific Society Hall. This innovative concept was of Mugdha Tapas while noted orator Kishor Galande played a bridge between the singers and speakers. Popular singers Gunwant Ghatwai, Manjiri Vaidya-Iyer and Sarang Joshi presented Marathi songs while sexologist Dr Sanjay Deshpande spoke on the importance of a healthy sexual life for good mental health. Psychiatrist Dr Swati Dharmadhikari spoke about the importance of human relationships.
An evening of ghazals
Musical events and Diwali share an inseparable bond. This year, Diwali musicals started with Padmagandha Pratishthan’s ‘Deep Sandhya’, a musical evening. Well-known singer Shruti Choudhary presented scintillating ghazals at the start. Later, singers from the Saurabh Sangeet Academy presented a series of ghazals. Shubhangi Bhadbhade, president of Padmagandha, spoke about how music and festivities are connected and how the musical events complete the festivals. Next week is going to be the last pre-Diwali weekend and many more musical events are planned all over the city.
‘Chalo, Chai Pite Hai’!
Dr Shivnarayan Acharya is well known kidney transplant surgeon in Nagpur and he is one of the very few doctors in the city who also writes beautiful poems in Hindi. ‘Chalo Chai Pite Hai,’ a collection of his poems, was recently released at a function held at Mor Bhavan. Veteran Hindi poet Prof Madhup Pandey, artist Umesh Sharma, publisher Dr Sagar Khadiwala and Dr Nikhil Kibe were present. It was a refreshing event for Hindi literature and poetry lovers who got to watch and listen to Prof Madhup Pandey after a long pandemic pause.
Musical fountain is back
Another series of trial shows of the ‘Futala musical fountain’ will be held this week from October 21. Free passes will be available at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium, SCZCC office, and at the office of Union minister Nitin Gadkari near Orange City Hospital in Savarkar Nagar from 11am to 1pm daily. The shows will be organized between 7pm and 9 pm. The Khasdas Mahotsav Samiti has appealed to Nagpurians to enjoy these musical fountain shows during festive days.