Gujarati Remake Of ‘Natsamrat’ To Get Maha Backing | Nagpur News

Nagpur: One of Marathi theatre’s most celebrated works is preparing to cross a linguistic stage as Natsamrat, VV Shirwadkar alias Kusumagraj’s timeless tragedy about an ageing theatre legend, will be presented in Gujarati through a series of 10 performances being organised by Maharashtra State Gujarati Sahitya Akademi.State’s cultural affairs department has given approval of 25.60 lakh for the initiative, according to a GR issued on Aug 5. While the GR confirms 10 Gujarati enactments and their funding, it does not specify the cities, venues, dates, cast or production team for the shows.Gujarati Sahitya Akademi, which works for promotion and development of Gujarati language and literature in Maharashtra, will organise the performances. The project had earlier received administrative approval along with a proposed expenditure of 32.20 lakh. Following a subsequent request from Akademi for financial aid, govt has approved 25.60 lakh towards the performances.Written by Jnanpith Award-winning poet and playwright VV Shirwadkar, better known as Kusumagraj, Natsamrat was first staged in 1970. Late veteran actor Dr Shriram Lagoo became closely identified with role of Ganpatrao Belwalkar, an ageing theatre legend at heart of the play.The story follows Belwalkar after he retires from stage, tracing his difficult transition from a life of adulation to old age, family conflict and isolation. Its themes of ageing, pride, relationships and loneliness that accompany fading fame have allowed the play to resonate across generations.