Mumbai, Jan 16: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) brings back two celebrated theatrical works by the legendary P. L. Deshpande in a special double bill, following their acclaimed run in November 2025. Returning by popular demand, the productions pay tribute to Deshpande’s sharp wit, fearless artistic voice, and enduring contribution to Marathi literature and theatre.
The evening features Mad Sakharam and Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience Deshpande’s satire and literary brilliance on stage in one compelling programme.
Mad Sakharam
Godrej Dance Theatre, January 18, 2026, 5:00 pm
An NCPA Collaboration
Mad Sakharam revisits a pivotal moment in Marathi theatre history, when P. L. Deshpande used satire to defend artistic freedom. Written as a response to the censorship controversy surrounding Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder in the 1970s, the play—originally titled Bhagwan Sri Sakharam Binder employs humour to expose the absurdity of moral policing while standing firmly in support of free expression.
Directed by Mangesh Satpute, the production features performances by Sunil Jadhav, Vishal More, Shreyas Vaidya, Alka Parab, Kiran Rajput, and Prajakta Pawar. With music by Mandar Kamlapurkar, set design by Sandesh Bendre, and lighting by Amogh Phadake, the play underscores how satire remains a powerful medium to question hypocrisy and societal gatekeeping—making it as relevant today as ever.
Age Recommendation: 6+, Duration: 60 minutes, Late entry not permitted
Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas
Godrej Dance Theatre, January 18, 2026, 7:15 pm
An NCPA Presentation
Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas is a theatrical adaptation of P. L. Deshpande’s much-loved literary work, originally published in Mauj magazine. Known for its scholarly yet playful humour, the piece offers a satirical exploration of the overlooked and unconventional history of Marathi literature. Though Deshpande could not expand the work further due to health reasons, this singular creation stands as a testament to his intellectual depth and comic genius.
Presented on the occasion of his birth anniversary, the adaptation by Mukesh Machkar and direction by Mangesh Satpute introduces younger audiences to Deshpande’s distinctive brand of “serious humour.” The performance blends the essence of the original text with familiar Deshpande characters, drawing connections between literary history and contemporary life. The cast includes Sanjay Gosavi, Mayuresh Khole, Dhanashri Lele, Mehul Bharti, Dhanashri Patil, and Shreyas Vaidya, and is presented by Sonali Kulkarni.