Sangeet Devbabhali, written and directed by Prajakt Deshmukh is one such Marathi Natak that helps you truly dive and discover the devotion of Sant Tukaram and his melodious “Abhangas”.
This Marathi Natak has already completed over 100 shows so far. Early this year, the producers announced that the play was coming to an end, and they held a few final shows at many locations across Maharashtra. But to everyone’s surprise, just 2 days ago, on 28th November 2024, this melodious Marathi play was re-launched with more shows, giving audiences another chance to watch and enjoy this wonderful melodious experience!
I got a chance to watch this show in February 2023 and I was just mesmerised by the way I fell in love with this Marathi Natak. Therefore, this is my experience, straight from the heart, of how I felt watching this Marathi Natak.
नाटकाचे पुढील प्रयोग (Upcoming Shows of Sangeet Devbabhali) –
- 21 December 2024 | Shivaji Mandir, Dadar at 3:30 PM
- 22 December 2024 | Lata Mangeshkar Natyagruha, Mira Rd., Mumbai at 4:30 PM
- 25 December 2024 | Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Thane at 4:30 PM
- 26 December 2024 | Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha, Vile Parle at 4:30 PM
- 28 December 2024 | Balwant Phadke Natyagruha, Panvel at 4:30 PM
- 29 December 2024 | Savitribai Phule Natyagruha, Dombivali at 4:30 PM
Sangeet Devbabhali Story
Sangeet Devbabhali is a story devoted towards “Sant Tukaram”, a dedicated devotee of Lord Vitthal, her wife Avli (played by Shubhangi Sadavarte) and Lord Vitthal’s wife in disguise – Lord Rakhumai (played by Mansi Joshi. This being a 55th play by Bhadrakali Productions, is definitely worth watching for.
As the curtain opens, the audience loses themselves in the harmonious “Abhangas” of Sant Tukaram with stunning lighting, live tabla, harmonium and other musical instruments. Yes, all the “Abhangas” and melodies sung in Sangeet Devbabhali are sung live with live tabla and harmonium.
The plot of Sangeet Devbabhali starts with Sant Tukaram’s wife, Avali, searching for him daily, but one fateful afternoon, a wild thorn sticks to her leg, causing her to lose her consciousness and balance. When she wakes up from her pain, she finds herself in her own home, besides a mysterious woman named Lakhubai – indeed, Lord Rakhumai.
Sangeet Devbabhali Marathi Natak is set in a time when societal norms showcased that women stay in unhappy marriages. Both Avali and Lakhubai find themselves in secondary positions in the lives of their husbands. Despite coming from a rich and wealthy family, Avali chooses to continue staying with her husband, while Lakhubai struggles with her own marital difficulties.
In spite of the initial bickering in the first half of the play, the two women start forming a very close bond, just like sisters who can understand each other’s pain, struggles, and loneliness. Through comical and heartwarming moments, they come to empathise with each other’s struggles and find solace in their friendship.
One of the most beautiful and heart-touching scenes is when Lakhubai encourages Avali to let go of all her burdens in her life and enjoy the beauty of the raindrops. This scene enthrals the audience with numerous applause and praises. Watching this will surely give you goosebumps.
Lakhubai is, in reality, Lord Rakumai, the wife of Lord Vitthal, who has come to help Avali and seek answers from her husband about his actions as it is told that Lord Vitthal himself came to remove the thorn from Avli’s leg.
Rakumai seeks answers from Lord Vitthal about his actions of touching a common woman’s feet, and that’s how the story becomes engaging and interesting.
Did Rakumai find her answers?
Did Avali recognise her divine hostess? Well, for this, you need to watch Sangeet Devbabhali.
