Mar 19, 2009 05:55 PM
23871 Views
(Updated Mar 22, 2009 10:28 PM)
Finally I got to see "Marathi Bana" by Ashok Hande. I had heard a lot about this musical entertainer but somehow had not been able to see it and got the opportunity on the 749th show!!!
This music and dance programme grips you right from the word go! It starts with "Uthi uthi gopala", a song immortalized by Pt. Kumar Gandharva. For nigh on 3 hours this programme keeps you glued to your seats as it takes you through the various folk dances of Maharashtra and the Konkan region. It also takes you through a journey of the various festivals/ festivities/ feasts of Maharashtra. Right from Vasudev, to a Koli (fisherman) dance, to Mangala gauri, Bharud, Tamasha/ Lavani and wedding festivities.
One feels involved with the dances performed. I remember as a kid, I have seen the vasudev coming for alms, a mangala gaur celebrated by a newly married girl, the Dahi-Handi/ Govinda where the male- servants would gather to break the earthen pot hung way above ground level and people would throw water over them as they danced towards the Handi (pot).
Though the dahi handi is still celebrated in big cities, one hardly sees the vasudev, or people celebrating other festivals. The folk forms of Bharud, Gavalan, Jagar, Jogwa and Gondhal are not heard of much in the big cities and hence lost to this generation. Especially for them, this programme is a must see. The music is foot tapping. The troupe is very energetic and enthusiastic and this enthusiasm and their enjoyment is infectious.
The Dholkiwala (percussionist) performed very ably and was followed by a rousing performance of the Lavani. I feel that the Lavani hasn't really got it's dues.... people look upon it as a nautch girl performing but I feel that it really requires an able dancer with a lot of ada/ nakhra (attitude) to hold you spellbound or it just goes flat.
It was only during the part where the wedding is shown that the programmes dragged a bit. It could be cos the songs chosen were not well known. Barring these 5-10 mins the rest of the programme was definitely entertaining and absolutely paisa-vasool. A definite must-see not only for Maharashtrians but also for everyone who would want to know about the rich folk dance traditions and different folk forms of music.
Ashok Hande has done a good job with the Bharud act as well cos he cracks jokes which are very topical and hence gets appreciating guffaws from the audience. It's amazing to see a troupe of 125 dancers/ singers/ musicians working in tandem. All, well chosen. Kudos to Mr. Hande.
