Young Marathi Theatre director, Sameer Vidwans' debut directorial, NAVA GADI NAVA RAJYA is running beyond 100 shows now and his second venture, ALTUN PALTUN is also going great guns. On a triumphant note, the young director declares happily that his plays are bringing in younger audiences to the theatre.
Deepa Ranade
Congratulations! NAVA GADI NAVA RAJYA (NGNR) is turning out to be a dream debut for you.
I know. Within six months of its launch, it has completed 100 shows. We staged the 99th show to packed houses in Dubai and apart from this overwhelming response, the play has also bagged several awards. It is my first commercial play. What more can I ask for?
NGNR was conceived and executed by three friends - you, Kshitij Patwardhan (writer) and Hemant Dhome (actor) - was the process full of fights or fun?
Three years ago, Kshitij narrated us the concept of NGNR and we liked it instantly. But he just wouldn't write it out - we had to chase and harass him into penning the play! It was mostly done in good spirit. That is how it turned out to be a fresh, new play. Once the script was done, we read it to producer Chandrakant Lokre, who's known to patronize experimental activities. He made some valuable suggestions and we re-drafted the play, and cast Priya Bapat and Umesh Kamat. That's how NGNR took off.
Did word-of-mouth publicity help the play?
NGNR opened in Mumbai on Dec 18, 2010 and then the following day in Pune. Although it did not have any big names associated with it, the play just had a flying start. For most of us - Kshitij, Hemant and Priya - it was our first commercial outing. It also bagged as many as seven State Awards - for the play, direction, writing, actress, set, music and costume. It has indeed been a roller coaster ride.
What has been the director's touch in the play?
I was involved with the play right from the writing process and so it has been written as I have visualized it. My emphasis was a fresh and young look. And ideas for the play - be it for the sets, costumes or the cast - everything has a youthful appeal. Also we made sure that everything was done in a lighter vein. My biggest reward is that NGNR has brought younger people to the theatre.
How did the 99th show in Dubai show go?
We received a standing ovation in Dubai. What works in favour of the play is that we all work on each show with the same gusto as we did on the opening day. Our enthusiasm is conveyed to the audience.
How did you manage to convince Prasad Oak, the busy tele star to play the lead in your latest play, ALTUN PALTUN?
Written by Abhiram Bhadkamkar, the play asks if the modern man is truly metrosexual. The play deals with modern marriages and their problems in a light vein, and even suggests some solutions. Prasad Oak liked the script and gave us a thumbs-up right away. He returned to the stage after five long years and allotted us a whole month for the rehearsals.
Who according to you are the promising bunch of theatrewallahs from your generation?
Advait Dadarkar who did METER DOWN and JAAWAI MAJHA BHALA, and Nipun Dharmadhikari with his SANGEET SANSHAV KALLOL, are very talented.
What about your other pursuits?
Kshitij and I have jointly penned the script of a Marathi film entitled 'Zameen'. The film has already been shot. Other than writing and direction, I am a devoted cricket and a classical music fan.
*Deepa Ranade is a film and theatre reviewer. She has been an entertainment journalist for over fifteen years.
Congratulations! NAVA GADI NAVA RAJYA (NGNR) is turning out to be a dream debut for you.
