Marathi Baana

Got a chance to watch Marathi Baana, a cultural orchestra by Mr. Ashok Hande of Chaurang Group on 13^th December 2008 at Savitribai Phule Kalamandir, Dombivli. It is one of the best live performances I have ever seen. Every thing seems to be perfect in terms of production, lights, execution. A team of around 125 people perform with sheer perfection and coordination. It’s a fast track show and always keeps you interested in the show.

But what show! Superb! The costumes, props, attention to detail are excellent. The stage has over 30 men and women dancing in perfect sync with not a step out of place. Looking from a physical point of view, these young boys and girls are extremely fit and flexible. Energy levels remain high through each performance and the artists seem to enjoy every moment of it. The 'bharud' and dance depicting the 'Ambabai' is par excellence. The tribal dance and the 'lavani' got a loud call for a 'ONCE MORE'. Lighting is used imaginatively and the musicians (about 15 of them) stayed on stage all throughout.

The whole show is written, conceived and directed and anchored by Mr Ashok Hande. Full marks to the concept, execution and direction. But at times Mr Hande does get to you. He does have a team of awesome singers, yet it is he who takes over most of the time. And the only other thing that put me off was the barb directed at outsiders who come into Maharashtra... Mr Hande who made the comment directed the audience, really doesn't mind the outsiders money, when they come to see his other shows - the hindi film songs shows - Awaaz ki Duniya etc.

The play was all about our Maharashtian culture. It is not the story about the history of Maharashtra. But it is the try to bring people into Maharashtrian culture again, who are on the verge of forgetting everything about it. The people who are living in the culture of Shopping mall can show this play to their children whom they cannot make aware about the festivals and what the Marathi culture is.

It is overall a great show, and myself and my wife Hemangi, left the theatre with only one resolution, that we will see Marathi Baana as many times as possible.