Vishnudas Bhave (d. 9 August 1901) is widely regarded as the father of Marathi theatre, and his contributions to the world of drama and theatre continue to inspire generations. Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Bhave is best known for staging the first Marathi-language play, Sita Swayamvar, in 1843, which marked the birth of commercial theatrical activity in Maharashtra. His pioneering efforts in the dramatic arts helped lay the foundation for Marathi theatre and shaped its development for decades.
Early Life and Theatre Beginnings
Vishnudas Bhave was born in a small town in Sangli district, Maharashtra, and developed a keen interest in performing arts from a young age. In 1843, with the support of the then King of Sangli, Chintamanrao Appa Saheb Patwardhan, Bhave staged the first Marathi play, Sita Swayamvar, in his native town of Sangli. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious journey for Marathi theatre.
Bhave's work was initially influenced by English plays, but he quickly adapted them to the Marathi context, incorporating local themes, characters, and traditions. His plays were a fusion of music, dance, and drama, which became a hallmark of his theatrical style. He also explored puppet shows and was known for his unique Khel-Akhyan (play-narrations in verse), which became popular among audiences.
Contribution to Marathi Theatre
Bhave's contributions to Marathi theatre went beyond just playwriting. He was also a director, organizer, and actor in his plays. In 1853, he moved to Mumbai, where he began staging his plays in the Girgaum locality at Vishvanath Shimpi's wada. His plays were deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and religious literature, with songs and music playing a significant role in their impact.
Notably, Bhave's plays were primarily one-man shows, where other cast members played secondary roles only when required. This minimalist style eventually gave way to a more elaborate form of drama in the 1880s, championed by Annasaheb Kirloskar. Despite this, Bhave's work is still celebrated for its innovative nature and devotional spirit.
Patronage and Influence
Bhave's theatrical endeavors were strongly supported by the King of Sangli, who provided the necessary patronage to Bhave’s drama company, Sanglikar Natak Mandali. Bhave’s plays became increasingly popular, attracting large audiences. His works were praised for their religious spirit, scientific singing, and choreographed swordplay, which contributed to the overall appeal.
By 1868, Vinayak Kirti brought a change to Marathi theatre with his prose-based historical play, Madhavrao Peshwa, which marked the shift from verse plays to prose plays in Marathi theatre. This divergence contributed to the evolving nature of the Marathi drama, with plays now being written in both verse and prose.
Vishnudas Bhave Gaurav Padak
In memory of his groundbreaking contributions to Marathi theatre, an award named the Vishnudas Bhave Gaurav Padak was instituted by Akhil Bharatiya Natya Vidyamandir. The first recipient of the award, Bal Gandharva, received it in 1959. The award is presented annually on 5th November, which is also celebrated as Marathi Rangbhumi Din (Marathi Theatre Day).
Notable recipients of the award include celebrated figures such as Pralhad Keshav Atre, Vijay Tendulkar, Vikram Gokhale, Rohini Hattangadi, and Mohan Agashe, among others. The award acknowledges the significant contributions of individuals who have furthered the development of Marathi theatre.
Legacy and Death
Vishnudas Bhave passed away on 9th August 1901, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the future of Marathi theatre. His work laid the groundwork for the rich tradition of Marathi drama, which continues to thrive today.
The recognition and celebration of Bhave’s contributions to theatre remain strong, and his pioneering spirit continues to influence playwrights, actors, and directors in Marathi theatre. His story is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, and his efforts continue to inspire the world of performing arts.
Conclusion
Vishnudas Bhave's journey from Sangli to Mumbai and his eventual establishment as the pioneer of Marathi theatre is a remarkable story of dedication, passion, and creative vision. He transformed the Marathi theatre landscape with his innovative approach to drama, and his legacy lives on through the Vishnudas Bhave Gaurav Padak and the continued success of Marathi theatre.
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