A story older than the Mahabharata looks for new audiences in Pune

Musical theatre in Maharashtra is in need of support and new performers as artists struggle to keep alive classics, such as Sangeet Matsyagandha

Sangeet Matsyagandha revolves around Satyavati, the mother of Ved Vyas, who was the daughter of a fishing family and known as Matsyagandha as she smelled of fish.

When the lights go off in the auditorium of Shriram Lagoo Rang Avakash on Sunday evening and the curtain rises on the play, Sangeet Matsyagandha, there will be more than entertainment at stake. A classic by Vasant Kanetkar, spanning events that are older than the main Mahabharata story, the musical drama is striving to stay alive for the next generation.

“It is difficult to find theatres for sangeet natak. The audience number is also dwindling. Balancing finances is difficult. The availability of singers and actors is a challenge. Performers of today’s generation rarely come forward to perform in such plays that require dexterity in singing, acting and knowledge of the Marathi language,” says Sanjay Gosavi, the producer who also plays Bhishma Pitamah in the play.

Asmita Chinchalkar, who has been on stage for 25 years and is experienced in musicals, takes up the role of Satyawati

Sangeet Matsyagandha revolves around Satyavati, the mother of Ved Vyas, who was the daughter of a fishing family and known as Matsyagandha as she smelled of fish. Asmita Chinchalkar, who has been on stage for 25 years and is experienced in musicals, takes up the role of Satyawati. Chinchalkar and Gosavi are among the trustees of Kaladwyee, the group that, for 20 years, has been carrying out activities related only to musical drama.

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“The play shows the vaibhav of the Marathi language. The last generation of theatre writers and performers have created great works but the youth are interested in TV series, which neither uphold our glorious language nor our traditions,” says Gosavi, who first performed in a production of Sangeet Matsyagandha 20 years ago. He adds that the number of professional groups dedicated to musical theatre has reduced sharply in Mumbai and Pune due to a lack of support.

A classic by Vasant Kanetkar, spanning events that are older than the main Mahabharata story, the musical drama is striving to stay alive for the next generation.

“The play shows that, when we give our word, we must keep it. This is an essential—and forgotten—part of Indian culture. Bhishma goes through extreme situations but does not break his vow. Today, people say a thing in the morning and forget it by the evening,” he says.

While it maintains the standards of Sangeet Matsyagandha, as performed through the decades, the present production has used modern stage design to suit modern aesthetics. Almost three hours in length, the play covers more than 70 decades in the life of Satyavati – and the performers are determined to keep the audience in their grip. “Sangeet Rangbhoomi is more than 140 years old and is Maharashtra’s gift to other cultures. It is traditionally passed from one generation to another. We are trying to do the same,” says Gosavi.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More

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