Warrior Diaries

Debutant actor Rohan Mankani,son of actor-producer Ravindra Mankani,says,“The language has been kept simple. Even though I play the role of Ahmedshah Abdali,an Afghan emperor,most of my dialogues are in Marathi. For Urdu dialogues,I simply switch to an Afghan accent.” He adds,”During rehearsals,it was quite difficult to carry the sword which weighs no less than two kgs. I am amazed at how the warriors fought with such heavy swords.”

Veteran artist Sharad Ponkshe has been roped in to narrate the play’s introduction and add some historical backgound. “It was very challenging to take up this play as our first venture in commercial theatre. We were guided by author Vishwas Patil (who wrote the novel Panipat ) at each stage of planning and execution of this production,” says Lanjekar,who plays the character of Duttaji Shinde. “My character is very straightforward. In fact,each character has distinct qualities. This Battle of Panipat was fought not for geographical boundary or language,but to maintain the integrity of the Marathas. This is what the play will portray,” he adds.

Well-known actors from Marathi theatre such as Yogesh Soman,Rohan Mankani,Dnynesh Wadekar,Shailesh Khot,Samir Budhkar,Shreyas Nakhare and Sudhanwa Panse will get under the skin of historical characters such as Bhausaheb Peshwe,Ahmedshah Abdali,Najib Khan Rohila,Ibrahim Khan Gardi,Vishwasrao Peshwe,Janakoji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar respectively. The play will have Islamic and Indian music blended beautifully by Kedar Divekar and some well-choreographed fight sequences by Gauri Chhatre. The set has been designed by Angha Lanjekar who,besides focusing on details and simplicity,has ensured that all props are eco-friendly.

The play will be staged on November 12 at Bharat Natya Mandir,Sadashiv Peth