Journalism of Courage
The play,Panipatche Ranangan,will showcase the might of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat
Two city-based production houses – Shree Gananjay and Sawai have tried to recreate the historical Third Battle of Panipat on stage. The result is Panipatche Ranangan,a play which,besides being staged in Pune,will be staged in the interiors of Maharashtra and possibly in Panipat as well. Marathas are known for their warrior spirit and patriotism. So,every house in Maharashtra must know about the selfless sacrifices that the Marathas made during the Third Battle of Panipat against the Mughals in 1761, says its director,Digpal Lanjekar .
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
