A graying gentleman takes centre stage and begins reciting his poems in Marathi. Before you think of fidgeting in your seat, he has drawn you into the vortex of his creation. The one-man show gathers momentum...you hang on to every word - all agape. Welcome to the poetic world of Sudhir Moghe and his poetry performance, 'Kavita Panopaani.'
Not surprising then if the DVD of this theatrical and musical poem recital has now run into its third edition which was released recently at Dinanath Natyagruha, Vile Parle. On the occasion, the poet's elder brother and famous actor, Shrikant Moghe enthused, "Blessed is our lineage that a poet is born into it (kavi janmala aala ni aamche kul ujalale)." Veteran poet Shankar Vaidya unveiled the latest edition of the DVD that evening.
Since its inception 24 years ago, this unique recital show has enthralled the audience. The special feature of 'Kavita Panopaani' is that it is a one-man poetic show, and it doesn't have a word of prose! The poet recites his own creations - sometimes singing, and at times reciting with such an infectious fervour and gusto that the audience is totally mesmerized by him. His poems range from the romantic, philosophical, patriotic, and grim to simple meanderings. Moghe recites all the poems from memory.
With a kirtankar for a father, a celebrated actor for an elder brother - Sudhir Moghe was creatively predisposed. He has penned lyrics for films and composed music for those as well. The Late Pt. Bhimsen Joshi hailed him as a kaviraj. Greatly inspired by litterateur, dramatist and actor P L Deshpande and veteran poet Ga Di Madgulkar's poem recitals, Moghe set out to launch a similar show of his own. Thus he launched 'Kavita, Kavita, Kavita' which later became 'Kavita Panopaani, "While Pu La performed Gadkari's poems in Gadkari Darshan, Ga Di Ma read out his deeply meaningful verses but he wasn't a singer. I thought of combining the best of both and launched my show," Moghe elaborated. Over the years, the show has evolved as newer poems have been added. This gives the performance a contemporary edge too.
The DVD of 'Kavita Panopaani' was shot two years ago by Moghe's dear friend and noted cinematographer Debu Deodhar and edited by Sanjay Dabke. This poetic journey is certainly a collector's item.
