75 years of Vimal Natya Samaj

A remarkable tale that speaks volume about the cult-influence of cross-culture performance arts is that of an old Marathi theatre group ‘Vimal Natya Samaj’.

Founded in 1941 by Late Shrimant Aba Saheb Jagirdar, who was a courtier in Nizam State, the group is still going strong with live stage performances.

Late Aba Saheb was a renowned organ player and lover of Marathi Natya Sangeet. After forming the group performed dramas like Marathi Musical Classics, such as “Sangeet Soubhadra”, “Sangeet Swayamvar”, “Sangeet Manapman”, “Sangeet Mrichakatik”, “Sangeet Sharada” and “Sangeet Vidya Haran” that were based on mythological stories and ran for five to six hours.

Those were the days when acting on stage, particularly by ladies, was not looked upon favourably. Yet, the group was revolutionary in their performances and Aba Saheb actively involved his sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and close family for on-stage drama.

So much so that their popularity grew leaps and bounds and many Marathi stage, film and music personalities visited Vimal Natya Samaj to watch them perform.

Notable names that appreciated their effort include Balagandharva, Mama Varerkar, Mama Pendse, Acharya Atre, PL Deshpande, Neeloophule, Ganpat Patil, Kshir Sagar, Raja Gosavi, Ramesh Dev, Vasant Shinde, Hira Chauhan, Usha Chauhan and Dada Kondke.

Then came the ‘70s when the young generation of the group started performing Marathi prose dramas and later on graduated to full length three-act plays. Some iconic ones include ‘Tantya Bhill’, ‘Ekhadyache Nashib’, ‘Beimaan’, ‘Sur Rahu De’, ‘Thank you Mr. Glad’, ‘Kala Bait Lal Bathi’, ‘Bichara Director’, ‘Sowjanyachi Aishi Taishi’, ‘Ghetla Shingavar’ and ‘To Mi Navhech’ that won eight prizes at the ‘All India Drama’ competition.

A few days ago, the ‘Shastipurti’ celebration of the late founder was organised by the group. Govind Jagirdar, grandson of the founder and currently secretary of ‘Vimal Natya Samaj’ said, “The group performed ‘Beimaan’ and ‘To Mi Navhech’ to a houseful audience.”

“We have an open air theatre with 800 seating. Our tradition is to make the Mahurat of drama on Asadh Ekadasi every year, perform at Ganesh festival and for Marathi Rang Bhumi Din on November 5,” he said.

Even now, the current generation still follows the tradition and performs one act plays every year during Ganesh Utsav.

In an era of dying performance arts, this small family-owned group is creating history, one play at a time, by sticking to their roots.

The group's membership is open for everyone interested and passionate about Marathi theatre.