Journalism of Courage
It was a moment of pride for vocalist Rahul Deshpande as he stepped into his grandfather’s role for Katyar Kalijat Ghusli and resurrected the drama with an all new cast of youngsters
It was a dream come true for the young vocalist Rahul Deshpande as he performed Khan Saheb in Katyar Kaljat Ghusli,a Marathi musical on Thursday. The moment was very special as he reincarnated the role of Khan Saheb,which his grandfather Vasantrao Deshpande had immortalized in 1970s.
After the demise of Vasantrao in 1983,a few actor-singers including Vasantraos disciples played the role of Khan Saheb to keep the play going. However,Rahul decided to revive the play in a new format with all new cast of young actors-singers to pay a fitting tribute to his grandfather.
Renowned Marathi actor Subodh Bhave took up the responsibility of direction and with a few changes to suit the young audience of present times,a brand new team performed Katyar Kaljat Ghusli on Thursday produced by Vasantrao Deshpande Sangeet Sabha. Disciple of Vasantrao and renowned vocalist Chandrakant Limaye is producer of the play.
Rahul is now a well known singer in the music circles,but the way and with the ease,he performed Khan Saheb,his acting talent too received huge applaud. His singing was unmatched as he sang padas (songs) such as Lagi Kalejwa Katar ,Ghei Chhand ,Tejonidhi Lohgol ,Ya Bhavanatil Geet Purane and Surat Piya Ki Na with great elegance.
Rahuls sister and Vasantraos granddaughter Deepti Mate was also impeccable in the role of Zarina. Vedashri Oak,daughter of famous singer Asha Khadilkar performed the role of Uma with grace. Mahesh Kale,disciple of late Pt Jeetendra Abhisheki,performed another major role Sadashiv in style. Subodh Bhaves Kaviraj also received huge applauds from enthusiasts.
Other actors Saurabh Kadgaonkar (Usman),Ameya Wagh (Chand),Ravindra Bapat (Diwanji) and Prashant Tapasvi (Badriprasad) also supported well. While Aditya Oak played harmonium as well as arranged the music,Nikhil Phatak played tabla. Pradeep Mule designed the set and Sanyogita Bhave designed the costumes.
Rahul wishes to perform 50 shows of the play with this new team by October. “It was a challenge to perform Khan Saheb and I studied Muslim culture to give justice to it. I did not watch the old recording of the play in which my grandfather had performed,as it would have added burden on me,” he said.
The first producer of the play and veteran actor Prabhakar Panshikar,music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Pt Jeetendra Abhishekis wife Vidyatai were also present for the play.
