A legacy like no other

Labeling Kolhatkar as the greatest actor of the century,Prabhakar Panshikar,whose association with Kolhatkar dates back to 1952 says,“I remember once when we were doing Ashrunchi Jhali Phule,we had introduced a revolutionary concept called sliding stage. Unfortunately,the stage,that was supposed to reach Mumbai from Kolhapur did not reach on time. To top it,even the director refused to associate his name with the play because of the incomplete stage. At that time,I remember Chittaranjan Kolhatkar telling me — Don’t worry; I am the opening batsman of the play. And he literally enthralled the audience with his dialogue delivery. His words that conveyed support when it was needed the most,still help me in my life.”

Panshikar further adds,“Be it a serious,expressive role like Sudhakar from Ekach Pyala or Taliram,a comic character,he would portray both the characters with equal vehemence. And he did that with each of his portrayal for over 50 years. With respect for roots and curiosity for innovation,Kolhatkar was truly a versatile actor.”

Narrating one of the experiences of sharing the stage with Kolhatkar,Shriram Lagoo,veteran actor recalls,“It was in 1970- 71,when after Kashinath Ghanekar left the play Ithe Oshalala Mrutyu; Prabhakar Panshikar asked me to play the character of Sambhaji. Other than Kolhatkar’s acting,I noticed that he was a disciplined actor. I was fairly new then and contrary to other established actors,who would purposely change dialogues to confuse newcomers,I found him extremely supportive. After that,however,we did not come together on stage.”

Well-known compere Sudhir Gadgil says Kolhatkar’s characteristic style was his dialogue delivery. “The ability to weigh every word and stress on it in an effective manner,that would straightaway reach audiences’ hearts was matchless. The credit of keeping Marathi theatre alive goes to Chittaranjan Kolhatkar. And one of the neglected aspects of his theatrical career is that during those days,when there were no auditoriums in Pune,he was an expert in erecting temporary theatres in order to invite theatre companies from Mumbai to perform in Pune,” he adds.

“He was my father’s closest friend and I have seen him since childhood. In fact he was the inspiration behind starting Manoranjan,our magazine. I have seen almost all his roles and what I admired the most was his dialogue delivery. May his soul rest in peace,” says Mohan Kulkarni of Manoranjan.