Son of soil celebrated on Marathi Rangbhoomi Din

Aurangabad: Theatre enthusiasts were treated to a mesmerising presentation of 'Vedrang' on Sunday evening in an event held to mark ‘Marathi Rangbhoomi Din’ at Tapadia Natya Mandir.

The event was organised for the third consecutive year by Burlyfield Biotech and theatre group Parivartan to celebrate the artists of the city.

City's Arvind Jagtap who has carved his niche in the Marathi film industry through his soulful scriptwriting in movies such as ‘Dambis’, ‘Gosht Choti Dongra Evdhi’, ‘Gallit Gondhal Dillit Muzra’ and ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikde’ was honoured with the ‘Parivartan Natya Gaurav Puruskar’ by theatre veteran Vijay Diwan.

In his address to the audience, Arvind Jagtap presented a satirical take on hard issues like communal harmony, fake news and historical perspectives. Jagtap expressed his discontent on the deplorable state of theatre and roads in Aurangabad. He hoped that their condition would improve soon.

“It's unfortunate that artists get hurt due to nails coming off the stage. It is imperative to maintain our theatres,” added Jagtap.

Speaking on the ongoing debate of freedom of expression, the artist said, “If the government is keeping an eye on what you write, it is good. You have an opportunity to take your opinion to that level.”

Arvind Jagtap started his artistic journey from Aurangabad through the play ‘Statue of Liberty’ and has contributed his candid-style of writing to many theatre plays, movies and dramas since.

Jyoti Dashrathi of Burlyfield and Mohan Phule of Parivartan felicitated the guests.

A packed Tapadia Natya Mandir witnessed the presentation of Vedrang, a directorial piece of theatre by veteran director Laxmikant Dhond, after the award ceremony. The theatre piece was constructed from extracts taken from the vedas.