The vibrant energy of Maharashtra's youth theatre scene was on full display as the curtains fell on the grand finale of the Loksatta Lokankika Competition. The prestigious event, held on Saturday, December 21, 2025, crowned its champion at Mumbai's iconic Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi.
A Triumphant Victory for 'Jab We Meta'
Emerging victorious from a field of talented competitors, M L Dahanukar College from Dahanu claimed the coveted title of Maharashtra's Lokankika. Their winning entry, the powerful one-act play titled "Jab We Meta," captivated the judges and audience alike, securing the top honour at the state-level theatre contest.
Honouring Excellence Across Divisions
The competition celebrated theatrical talent from across the state. The second prize was awarded to "Vaman Aakhyan" from Modern College, representing the Pune division. Meanwhile, Satish Pradhan Dnyanasadhana College from the Thane division secured the third prize for their poignant play, "Thimmakka."
The grand finale transformed into a major cultural gathering, drawing enthusiastic audiences from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, and other regions. The event served as a powerful platform for young theatre artistes to showcase their creativity and tackle diverse themes with originality.
Luminaries Guide the Next Generation
The task of selecting the winners fell upon a distinguished panel of judges comprising renowned theatre director Pratima Kulkarni and acclaimed actors Sumit Raghavan and Makrand Anaspure. Their expertise ensured that the judging was both fair and insightful.
Adding to the significance of the evening, veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah graced the event as the chief guest. She addressed the gathering of young, passionate artistes, sharing invaluable insights and lessons gleaned from her own illustrious journey in the world of theatre, inspiring the next wave of theatrical talent.
Through competitions like the Loksatta Lokankika, the rich tradition of Marathi and Indian theatre continues to find fresh voices and innovative expressions, ensuring its dynamic evolution for years to come.
