MARATHI RANGABHOOMI DAY SPECIAL: Throwback to the LOCKDOWN when Marathi Actor Amey Wagh spread nostalgia

Marathi Actor Amey Wagh had shot a short series ‘Wagh cha Swag’ in lockdown to interact with his fans. The video series had taken Marathi audience on a nostalgic trip to the normal times, since during the lockdown, when there was no hope of when things were going to become normal, the 'Marathi Rangabhoomi lovers' were missing the experience of legendary Purushottam Karandak.

 

 

 

 

Artists from all around Maharashtra come to Pune to participate in this state level drama competition. For artists, no doubt, it must have actually been a nostalgic moment to hear Amey Wagh share about his experiences of Purushottam and how much he was missing to perform on stage rather than behind the camera. But this was not just nostalgic for artists. Pune is famous to have a sensible drama audience. Drama is an integral part of Pune’s culture. There can be no family around Pune who is not connected to the dramas and natyagruhas of Pune. If not artist, then every family at least has a loyal audience who is deeply connected to the Rangabhoomi.

 

In the video, Amey Wagh talked about the times when he had participated in Purushottam as a student and also shared a video of his famous playwright ‘Cycle’ which he had performed in his college days and had won many awards. His friend and director Nipun Dharmadhikari, had directed the playwright and also acted with him. It was one of the most welcomed plays from Purushottam for many years, so the video Amey Wagh shared on his social media actually worked as a huge gift for the audience.

 

 

 

The story of ‘Cycle’ basically revolves around relation between a father, who is also a school teacher, and his young son who is obsessed to have a cycle of his own. I wouldn’t reveal much ahead. Amey Wagh has played role of the school teacher, a typical Marathi school teacher with the typical guruji accent. Other than directing the play, Nipun has also played the role of the young son.

 

What hits us straight while watching the play once again in ‘Wagh cha Swag’ is the Purushottam vibes which you can literally feel by hearing the cheers during the black outs and when scenes have perfectly matched with their timing. 

 

 

Enjoying the whole day marathon shows of Purushottam at Bharat Natya Mandir and Firodiya at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, was as much being missed by the audience, as much it was being missed by the artists. In fact, when an artist says he misses performing on the stage rather than behind the camera, it is mainly this connection with the audience that he misses. This is one thing that cannot be experienced even at the most expensive sets for shoot. The instant reaction from the crowd enhances an artist’s performance. In any performing art, the role of the audience is tremendously effective and important.

 

 

 

Representative Image of 'Purushottam Karandak' 

 

 

After spending a long time at home, the Marathi theatre lovers couldn’t help but miss going to these theatres to watch such brilliant performances, Amey Wagh’s video was a savior during the critical times of LOCKDOWN. Since I’m a Punekar myself, I wrote about the things we experience in Pune but I don’t think this can be any different for other places who have sustained their connection with the Rangabhoomi.

 

The rangabhoomi not only makes artists, but it also creates the best of audience. The Marathi Prekshak couldn’t help but thank Amey Wagh for sharing the video of ‘Cycle’ and making us all nostalgic for the normal that no one had any idea about when was to return back.

 

Do watch the video if you haven’t watched it yet and relive the nostalgia; but this time with another layer of nostalgia of the lockdown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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