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!
Watching this Natak is a completely divine experience. People are just mesmerized in awe as soon as the Natak is finished.
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) –
- 25 January 2025 | Mahakavi Kalidas Kala Mandir, Nashik at 5:30 PM
- 26 January 2025 | Ram Krishna More Auditorium, Pune at 12:30 PM
- 31 January 2025 | Prabhodhankar Thakrey Natyagruha, Borivali at 4:30 PM
- 01 February 2025 | Shivaji Mandir, Dadar at 4 PM
- 01 February 2025 | Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Thane at 8:30 PM
- 02 February 2025 | Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha, Vile Parle at 4:30 PM
- 05 February 2025 | Barrister Nath Pai Hall, Sawantwadi at 9:30 PM
- 07 February 2025 | Swatantra Veer Savarkar Natyagruha, Ratnagiri at 9:30 PM
- 09 February 2025 | Indira Gandhi Sanskrutik Kendra, Chiplun, Ratnagiri at 9:30 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.
Sangeet Devbabhali Natak – All Songs Are Sung Live
As I mentioned earlier, the Natak is a Spiritual Musical Odyssey, almost 90% of the Natak involves conversations that happen through songs. This means that even the dialogues and conversations are written in a completely musical way. The Natak starts and ends with music / songs. And to your surprise, all the songs are sung live and on the spot by the artists. And that too without any help of additional recordings.
It just so pure and surreal to see the way these two artists ( ) sing these divine songs with so much perfection and ease. Moreover, to additionally enhance the melody and charm of the song, for every show, there are live Tabla and other traditional musical instruments being played that are beautifully incorporated. They blend seamlessly, creating the perfect ambiance and offering an authentic experience of the old ancient times.
Sangeet Devbabhali Natak Team
- Director – Prajakt Deshmukh
- Writer – Prajakt Deshmukh
- Artists – Manasi Joshi and Shubhangi Sadavarte
- Set Design – Pradeep Mulye
- Lights – Praful Dixit
- Music – Anand Oak
- Producers – Shrimati Kavita Machindra Kambli
Also Read –
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Thet Tumchya Gharatun Natak Review – A Blockbuster of Comedy, Emotions, Suspense & Entertainment !
