Bollywood Actor Paresh Rawal Commences Cultural Center’s Theatre Project in Pune
Pune, 11 September 2023: Distinguished actor and Chairman of the National School of Drama, Padma Shri Paresh Rawal, graced Pune as the Chief Guest for a momentous occasion, marking the initiation of a groundbreaking theatre endeavor. The Maharashtra Cultural Center, located at Hirabaug in Pune, has embarked on the construction of a new theatre, to be named “Shriram Lagoo Ranga – Avakash,” in honor of the late Dr. Shriram Lagoo.
Rawal, known for his stellar performances in Indian cinema, expressed his deep connection to Maharashtra’s vibrant culture and the profound impact it has on the artistic landscape of the state and the nation. In a candid conversation at the Maharashtra Cultural Centre, Rawal shared his belief that working in Marathi films and theatre would have further enriched his acting abilities. He acknowledged that collaborating with Marathi writers, actors, and literary figures would have been a significant boon to his artistic journey.
Recalling a pivotal moment in his advocacy for the theatre industry, Rawal mentioned a meeting with the then Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, alongside prominent theatre personalities. They successfully urged Jaitley to exempt the drama industry from the GST, highlighting the importance of art and culture. Sharad Pawar, the veteran politician, emphasized the role of Marathis in keeping art and culture alive in Mumbai, drawing parallels with Vadodara as the cultural capital of Gujarat, which also has a substantial Marathi population.
Being the chief guest at the event, Rawal expressed his profound honor and blessing to be associated with Dr. Shriram Lagoo’s name. He recounted his early experiences with Marathi theatre, mentioning a one-act play based on Vijay Tendulkar’s “Gidhade” and the desire to work in a film adaptation of Lagoo’s “Mitra” with Rekha, which unfortunately didn’t materialize. Rawal cherished the opportunity to finally connect with Dr. Lagoo through this event.
Highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, Rawal underscored the need for more such venues in the country. He discussed his efforts to establish theatres in various locations, including SNDT in Mumbai, in collaboration with industrialists like Mukesh and Anil Ambani. While some of these initiatives didn’t come to fruition, Rawal expressed satisfaction that the Shriram Lagoo Ranga – Avakash theatre would remain under the management of individuals passionate about art, ensuring its preservation.
Architect Madhav Hundekar, from Mitimitra, unveiled the innovative design of the “Black Box Theatre,” emphasizing its flexibility and adaptability for different formats of seating and public performances. Dr. Mohan Agashe praised the concept of “Rang Avakash,” emphasizing the significance of having a dedicated space for diverse art forms.
Girish Kulkarni, the noted film actor, read excerpts from Dr. Shriram Lagoo’s autobiography, “Lamaan,” while Rajesh Deshmukh extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, marking the auspicious beginning of the Shriram Lagoo Ranga – Avakash theatre project in Pune.
