Star Pravah presents World Theatre Television Premiere of 'Naandi'

Renowned Marathi play for the first time on TV – Sat, 30th May at 7 pm

Star Pravah has always been in the forefront of providing nouveau concepts and distinctive programming content in accordance with the needs of its viewers across Maharashtra. Now Star Pravah presents its viewers World Theatre Television Premiere of a unique and highly acclaimed Marathi play ‘Naandi’. This play brings together 10 of the most talented cinema, TV and theatre actors on 

one platform, which will surely be a visual treat to all the Marathi theatre lovers. Naandi means an invocation sung at the start of the play to God of art who bestows his grace for a glorious show. Through this initiative, Star Pravah announces its grand foray in the Marathi theatre segment.

‘Naandi’ is a play that explores the evolution of man-woman relationship over last 150 years of Marathi theatre. The play has judiciously extracted the best scenes from great Marathi plays like Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Sangeet Saubhadra, Kichak Vadh, Ekach Pyala, Ashrunchi Zali Fule, Natsamrat, Barrister, Sakharam Binder, Buddhibal ani Zabbu and Chahul. These epic scenes seamlessly blend to become a panoramic collage called ‘Naandi’. The play makes a viewer meander through 150 year old history of Marathi theatre, as it deals with myriad turmoils in politics, family, profession as well as emotions. Although Naandi bids adieu to the stage, its new avatar on television marks a new beginning.

Star India official spokesperson said, “Naandi is one of its kind initiatives, which has carved a distinct space in the realm of Marathi theatre. Star Pravah is proud to present the iconic ‘Naandi’ for its viewers staying across Maharashtra. Only a few fortunate theatre lovers have had the golden opportunity to watch Naandi on stage. Hence, we took the mantle to shoot Naandi’s last theatrical performance and make it immortal for Star Pravah’s viewers.”

Naandi has emerged from a detailed PhD research on ‘Marathi theatre & its evolution’ undertaken by Hrishikesh Joshi. He came across various aspects of how man-woman relationship has evolved in the above-mentioned classics of Marathi theatre, which inspired him to write, direct and act in this play. The cast includes prominent and multifaceted actors like Sharad Ponkshe, Avinash Narkar, Prasad Oak, Hrishikesh Joshi, Chinmay Mandlekar, Ajay Purkar, Ashwini Ekbote, Tejaswini Pandit, Seema Pandit and Spruha Joshi. A unique subject, path breaking content and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the characters from legendary plays, inspired these actors to be a part of Naandi. It is worth noting that not a single actor among this entire star cast had to be replaced through the 100 shows in last 2 years. The remarkable feat of getting 10 great actors to essay 23 different characters from 10 Marathi classics was only possible because 4 different production houses; Ashtavinayak Productions, Bhadrakali Productions, S & O Investments and Ekdant Productions, saw potential in the concept. The emotional behind-the-scenes moments of Naandi team during the 100^th performance, have been encapsulated in a special half-hour show to be aired on Saturday, 30^th May at 630 pm on Star Pravah.