Over-commercialization risky for Zadipatti theatre: Parshuram Khune

NAGPUR: Zadipatti theatre, which was started by villagers for villagers, has now turned into a commercial theatrical activity. Costly tickets, colourful lighting, digital sound and actors coming from commercial theatre, television and cinema have become common features.

This commercialization may have made the producers and some actors rich, but there is a risk in it, as per Padma Shri awardee Parshuram Khune, a veteran of Zadipatti theatre.

“The soul of Zadipatti theatre lies in local artists, mainly amateur artists who speak local dialect and present local characters. Commercialization was initially good because it brought the much-needed money to the theatre. But overdose of commercialization is bad,” he said.

On Thursday, Khune visited the TOI Nagpur office where he spoke on many contemporary issues and recalled fond memories of his five-decade-long career in Zadipatti theatre. “New generation is now realizing the ill-effects of over-commercialization. In some villages, I can see local youths setting up their own plays bypassing the commercial groups. This could be a transition phase and will ultimately bring the old glory back,” Khune said.

According to him, Zadipatti theatre is an ecosystem in itself. Even after the pandemic setback, there are at least 60 theatre groups active in four districts of East Vidarbha.

“Not only to actors and musicians, but each theatre group also provides direct employment to hundreds of others like drivers, make-up artists, technicians, helpers. When shows are organized, many local vendors, tea and refreshment sellers get indirect employment. Considering all this, the seasonal turn-over of Zadipatti theatre is worth Rs50 crore now,” said Khune.

Apart from being an artist, Dr Khune is a homeopath, a farmer, a politician and a social worker too. He was sarpanch of his village Gurnoli for 15 years. “There were shows scheduled on both Independence Day and Republic Day, but I always managed to conduct flag hoisting early in the morning and then staged plays during late night,” he said.

Hailing from Koholi community, Khune family owns acres of paddy farms. “Once legendary actor Dada Kondke offered me work in his movies. I humbly rejected it because I was not able to leave my farm and family,” said Dr Khune who eventually won the ‘Progressive farmer award’ of the state government.

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‘Naxalites too enjoyed plays’

In the past, when Naxalites had big influence in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts, Zadipatti theatre flourished because the rebels too loved watching plays, claimed Khune. “I have done shows in many Naxal-infected villages and have fond memories of the same,” he said.

Once, the organizers had announced that a four-wheeler (Jeep) will come on stage which was to be driven by a character Khune was playing. Initially, he hesitated to drive a car on stage. Organizers told him that many Naxalites will be in the audience, and they may feel insulted if it is not done. “I rehearsed for some time and then successfully drove the Jeep on stage. It was an unforgettable experience,” he said.


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