PUNE, APRIL 17: A jam-packed audience, witty asides from savvy politicians, tongue-in-cheek remarks, emotional speeches - nope this was no Oscar or Screen awards ceremony, but there was a first prize for best compering - and it went to Sudhir Gadgil.A Sunday evening at the crowded Balgandharva Rang Mandir, with eager public patiently waiting for chief guest Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.Sudhir Gadgil, who completed 25 years of successful compering, couldn't have asked for more.The power of words that put Gadgil in the spotlight for 25 years saw Thackeray patting his back and well-wishers joyfully embracing the interviewer, journalist and writer. He has won people with his words, his diction, expression..Thackeray couldn't praise him more. At the funsction organised by Samvaad - a cultural organisation, the Shiv Sena chief urged Gadgil to inspire more youngsters towards the profession."Your audience is your real capital," Thackeray added while lauding Gagdil's presence in the relatively new field of compering. He lamented the fact that many youngsters who had talent could not attain success because they were not encouraged enough. While talking about the art of compering, Thackeray said that the compere should gauge the mood of the audience and be precise, yet witty, while doing the job.Minister for Cultural Affairs Ramakrishna More stressed on the need to modulate voice and maintain pitch. Gadgil has achieved the right kind of blend where his interviews keep celebrities at ease, but he still manages to maintain the audience's interest with his mischievous kind of humour.In his speech, Gadgil cited examples about how he tried to bring life into some of his interviews. Earlier, Sakal editor Vijay Kuvalekar too heaped praise on Gadgil as a compere. Thackeray felicitated Gadgil's parents on the occasion. Also present were Deputy Mayor Mahadev Babar, Harish Kenchi of Saamna, Ulhas Pawar, Vidyadhar Anaskar, Ramdas Phutane and Kumar Saptarshi among others.
