Marathi play ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’ comes to Hyderabad this weekend

A scene from the play
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Prashant Damle returns with a dose of laughter. The acclaimed Marathi film, television, and theatre actor is set to perform in Hyderabad this weekend with Gela Madhav Kunikade, a beloved Marathi play first staged at Shivaji Mandir, Dadar, in 1992. Featuring Tanvi Palav, Akshata Naik, and Vinay Yedekar, this production has completed 1,800 shows to date and will be staged in Hyderabad for the first time.

Comedic timing

Prashant Damle and Vinay Yedekar in the play
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Prashant Damle attributes the play’s enduring success to its sharp script, stellar performances, and impeccable comedic timing. Gela Madhav Kunikade, written by Vasant Sabnis and directed by the late Rajiv Shinde, follows the antics of Madhav Deshpande (played by Prashant), a medical representative juggling two wives — unaware of each other’s existence. As Madhav navigates this intricate web of deception, his friend (played by Vinay Yedekar) steps in to help, leading to a cascade of hilarious situations.

“The play presents a serious predicament in a brilliantly comedic way. Vasant Sabnis’ writing has captivated audiences for decades — there’s nothing that needs changing,” says Prashant, a former BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) employee who left his job to chase his acting dreams.

Learning experience

Prashant Damle 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Playing Madhav has been a learning curve for Prashant, who was still finding his footing in theatre when he took on the role in the 90s. Initially, he was puzzled by the audience’s roaring laughter at certain lines, only to later realise the subtle undercurrents of humour woven into the script. “It was both challenging and fascinating to uncover the nuances of the character. The play thrives on humour ‘between the lines,’ and with each performance, we discovered new layers of laughter,” he says.

With an astonishing record of 13,500 theatre shows to his name, Prashant’s passion for the stage remains unwavering. “Theatre is my lifeblood, and I truly enjoy every moment on stage,” reflects the 64-year-old actor on his four-decade-long career.

Gela Madhav Kunikade, a Marathi comedy play to be staged at Ravindra Bharathi, on February 21, 7pm; Tickets on bookmyshow.com