Cultural platter of Nagpur's Marathi manoos is full

Getting hooked to the best is like a habit that dies hard. And ever since Nagpurians are being treated to the best Marathi plays and musicals (see box for details), TOI finds that they are simply savouring the cultural menu that's on offer, proof of which is houseful shows.
That, the best and original shows happen too far and few between, was Nagpurians' lament till quite sometime back.But, this is changing and rather rapidly. TOI asks artistes to speak on this culturally positive trend'
A personal bond
Just a week ago, culture aficionados' of the city were raving about Katyar Kaljat Ghusli a sangeet natak that saw noted classical singer Rahul Deshpande giving a riveting performance at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall. While the audience was spellbound seeing this performance, ask Rahul the reason behind choosing Nagpur as the venue, and he says, "Apart from the personal bond I share with Nagpur, as my grandfather Vasantaro Deshpande spent his childhood here, I wanted the younger generation from Nagpur to be introduced to the sangeet natak in a form, that's appealing. And sure enough, I saw so many youngsters meet me after the show and ask me more about this format. It encourages an artiste to come back here again and again!"
Kudos to Nagpurians
Doffing their hats to the enthusiasm and culturally sound Nagpurians is the team that's brought Babasaheb Purandare's show - Aakaanksha Pudhti Tithe Gagan Thengna - for the first time to Nagpur. Historian Ganesh Dhalpe, who accompanied Babasaheb on stage and is responsible for bringing this show to the city, says, "We have done similar shows, but this one in Nagpur is something totally unique that we have tried for the first time. We had heard about the Nagpur audience and its long standing demand for a good show. So, we spruced up the stage with a 40 feet structure, which had a huge fort as a backdrop for Babasaheb's commanding commentary on our historic past with the highlight being Chhatrapati Shivaji's reign. Quality work ensures a repeat audience."
Risk paid off
In the case of Sunil Barve, who brought the classic play Suryache Pille to Nagpur, under his Herbarium initiative, says that trying out new centres is a risk that's paying off well. "When we planned a tour, we had Nagpur in mind and decided that be it whichever city, we will not scale down the ticket prices. It was a risk that paid off really well. Moreover, every city's audience is unique, and as artistes, we like to get a taste of new places! So, when economics and emotional quotient clicks, the audience can only benefit from it. And Nagpur is witnessing this positive change."
Jinx is broken
Vibhawari Deshpande, who along with Madhura Velankar and Sandeep Khare staged the musical dance drama Kadhitari Vedyagat, says, "The jinx has finally been broken in Nagpur. For quite some time I felt that the Nagpur's audience orientation was more towards Hindi. So, good productions were never staged as it wasn't economically viable. Somewhere down the line that changed and as a result we're happy coming here with better plays. So, yeah Nagpurians are having it good, and I'm sure their complaint has been addressed, finally!"