Gandhi Viruddh Savarkar. The very name is designed to attract attention, but this new Marathi play which opened on Friday has nothing to do with the icons of the freedom struggle and everything to do with the threat of global warming.
It just so happens that the two protagonists of veteran writer-director Purushottam Berde’s play are named Gandhi and Savarkar.
The play is a story about Dr Dinesh Savarkar, an honest upfront environmental scientist. According to Berde, the story revolves around environmental pollution and how India has been blamed for it by the world. “I wanted to make a movie on this but was not getting an actor for the lead role. However, Deepak Karanjikar — an upcoming actor, who has returned from the United States after 12 years, fit the character to the T,” said Berde.
When asked about the name of the play, he said, “I have used the names because of the aura around them.” Savarkar faces an enquiry for being honest and upright, he said. “He is a dynamic scientist, which causes a lot of damage to the government machinery,
multinational companies and obviously the political leadership. Gandhi — an ex-chief justice — is a balanced human being but is a part of the system. This sets up the play.”
It is Karanjikar’s third play after his return. “Berde wrote this play around me which is an honour. I am glad Berde gave me this chance,” he said.
Uday Dhurat of Mauli Productions is known to be associated with some path-breaking plays. He has produced plays such as Sakharam Binder, Hamidabaichi Kothi, Ghar Tighanche Hawe and Mi Nathuram Godse Boltoy —which was banned for seven years.
“I have always handled thought-provoking subjects. Nathuram was a huge challenge. I won a case against the ban in the Supreme Court. I am sure the issues in Gandhi viruddh Savarkar have never been talked about on stage,” he said.
