Off the Counter

Hub of theatre resembles a wannabe Dilli Haat, with only a few stalls offering products related to theatre.

At the Bharat Rang Mahotsav. (Source: Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Theatre Bazaar is the latest addition to the list of attractions at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Here, food and shopping were supposed to meet in a dramatic environment. While the food remains a draw, the new stalls selling artificial jewellery, paintings, saris, bedsheets and books by Dan Brown and Mario Puzo suggest a plot gone haywire. The hub of theatre resembles a wannabe Dilli Haat, with only a few stalls offering products related to theatre. Here’s a selection:

DC Costume Designers and Makers
They offer costumes “from Kashmir to Kanyakumari”, from the Mughals to the Third Reich, from Hindu deities to Indian policemen. These are made of cotton, silk and khadi among others and embellished with beads, sequins and fake military medals. A Mughal robe with jooti and pagdi costs between Rs 10,000 and 25,000 while a cop’s uniform comes between Rs 450 and 2,500.

Jaimurti Beauty Parlour
Straight hair, curly mop, a bouffant or a fringe, this is where an actor can get his mane fixed. The stall displays thin moustaches, old man’s wigs and an array of eyelashes. While the eyelashes are crafted on order, the other items cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000.

Pankaj Store
Every character has a different face and an actor must rely on more than his skills to convince the audience that he is somebody else. At Pankaj Store, a cake of pancake comes for Rs 100, a tube of colour is for Rs 50 and available in eight shades. Brown and white cords of fake hair that can be converted into beards or wigs are priced at Rs 40 a metre.

East Zonal Cultural Centre
Some masks have devilish grins and others stare quizzically. Masks of Seraikela chhau are for Rs 400 each and buyers can see a master artisan at work, creating a face with clay. The stall also sells an assortment of crowns for Rs 600 each.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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