I was told by some family friends, that u have to watch Marathi Bana and that it
is awesome.So we decided to check it out. My cousin booked tickets for this show
at Prabhodhankar Thakeray Auditorium at Borivali. It was good she booked it,
cause when we landed at the theatre, it was sold out - all 1100 tickets.
We
found our way to the seats, and sat down in anticipation. As the curtains were
being raised we heard a voice asking us to put away any video cameras, digital
camera and mobile phones. The curtain raised to a melodious Bhav geet. - Dont
ask me to name the song, since my GK wrt marathi songs is only restricted to the
more popular songs. The set erected was awesome - The lighting effects given to
the performers Superb. The whole show is orchestrated phenomenally. The theme is
the rich marathi culture encompassed beautifully in a coulourful tapestry of
music and dance, performed by over 120 artistes, with clinical precision. The
whole performance just blows u away. Each time the dancers come on, u just wish
u could jump, clap and enjoy the same to the maximum. The singers are superb.
But it is the dancers who take your breath away. Each step is so awesomely
synchronized.Not a step out of place and at the speed it is performed - WheW!
the images still lingered in my head days after the same. The formations of each
dance - everything is superb. They even take u thro a marathi wedding. The stage
comes alive showcasing the wedding, the pain, the bidai - the costumes ... This
colorful extravaganza is just something to be seen to be believed. One visit is
mandated, even if you do not understand the language. The sheer tapestry, the
energy is definitely a must see. There was this girl who performed the lavni -
Wow! The whole show is written, conceived and directed and anchored by Mr Ashok
Hande. Full kudos to the concept, execution and direction. But at times Mr Hande
does get to you.
He does have a team of awesome singers, yet it is he who takes
over most of the time. And the only other thing that put me off was the barb
directed at outsiders who come into Maharashtra... Mr Hande who made the comment
directed the audience, really doesn’t mind the outsiders money, when they come to
see his other shows - the hindi film songs shows - Awaaz ki Duniya etc. Apart
from all this, this is a great show, and we left the theatre with only one
resolve, that we will want to see Marathi Bana once again and again. Such is the
flurry of activity on stage , that at times u feel u might be missing something.