Prashant Damle: The Pillar of Marathi Theatre's Four-Decade Legacy
Sukh Manjhe Nakki Kay Asta? This iconic phrase resonates deeply with Marathi theatre enthusiasts, immediately bringing to mind the versatile and irreplaceable Prashant Damle. The veteran actor's remarkable four-decade career stands as a powerful testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the performing arts.
A Trailblazing Career Built on Innovation
Interestingly, Damle holds the distinction of being the first producer in India to introduce online booking systems specifically for Marathi theatre productions. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates his commitment to modernizing traditional art forms while expanding their reach to contemporary audiences.
His artistic journey showcases remarkable versatility, with early performances in productions like 'Tour Tour' and 'Maharashtrachi Lokadhara' highlighting his exceptional singing talent. Damle has recorded over 35 songs alongside delivering impactful acting performances that have left an indelible mark on Marathi cultural landscape.
The Rise to Theatre Stardom
Gradually ascending through commercial theatre ranks, Damle's breakthrough came with his work in 'Moruchi Maushi,' which led to his first lead role in Acharya Atre's classic 'Brahmachari.' This paved the way for what would become his career-defining performance in 'Gela Madhav Kunikade' in 1992.
The play achieved extraordinary success, earning multiple records including prestigious Limca Book of Records entries for his record-breaking annual performances during 1995 and 1996. With an astonishing 12,775 performances across 33 different plays—a world record in itself—Damle continued to deliver iconic hits like 'Chaar Diwas Premaache' and 'Eka Lagnachi Goshta,' each crossing the significant milestone of 1,000 shows.
Global Expansion and Infrastructure Development
Beyond his on-stage responsibilities, Damle has worked tirelessly to establish new centers for Marathi theatre across international locations including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Japan, and various Middle-Eastern countries. Simultaneously, he has dedicated efforts toward building better infrastructure for Marathi theatre throughout Maharashtra, ensuring the art form's sustainable growth and accessibility.
Reflections on a Transformative Journey
In a recent conversation, the acting 'Dhurandhar' reflected on his remarkable journey, from early doubts during his 'Maharashtrachi Lokadhara' days to his current status as a theatre legend. "When Lokadhara started in Maharashtra, I had genuine doubts about whether I could truly become an actor," Damle recalled. "I had done parallel theater for about five to six years in a group setting, but my qualifications were limited to being good-looking and having singing ability."
He emphasized the continuous learning process that has defined his career: "The journey from Lokadhara till today has been a continuous process of learning. It represents a progression from zero to fifty or sixty, and it remains an ongoing educational experience."
The Art of Sustaining Performance Excellence
When asked about maintaining freshness across thousands of performances, Damle revealed his philosophical approach: "Acting on stage has always remained a hobby for me—it has never transformed into mere business. We perform because we genuinely love it. The responsibility toward our audience creates a unique dynamic, not just for me but for our entire team."
He elaborated on the daily challenge of performance: "Every day represents an experiment in creativity. Yesterday's audience laughter prompts the question: how do we create new laughter today while preserving that essential essence? Sustaining performance quality requires immense concentration. Even now, I approach each show as if it were my first performance before an audience."
Perspective on Artificial Intelligence in Theatre
Addressing the growing influence of technology, Damle offered nuanced thoughts: "AI cannot replace performing arts, live art, or sports. If I want to watch a particular artist, I must visit the theater—similar to how one must go to a stadium to see Virat Kohli play."
However, he acknowledged broader implications: "Claiming AI will make no difference whatsoever would be incorrect. With numerous entertainment channels and distractions available, keeping theatre vibrant becomes our responsibility as practitioners. From scripting to performance execution, every element must be handled carefully to prevent audience drift."
Giving Back to the Theatre Community
Damle expressed strong commitment to nurturing future generations: "We must prepare new talent and provide meaningful opportunities. Through Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, where I serve as director, we're creating platforms for emerging writers and directors."
He highlighted collaborative efforts: "Established writers like Purushottam Berde guide new talent, while experienced directors including Vijay Kenkare, Chandrakant Kulkarni, Mangesh Kadam, and Advait Dadarkar mentor upcoming directors. The next generation deserves the same strength and encouragement we received."
Navigating the Pandemic Challenges
The lockdown period presented unprecedented difficulties for theatre artists. Damle shared: "Initially, I managed for 15-20 days, but as the situation worsened, the absence became challenging. Beyond personal longing, I was deeply concerned about backstage artists who depend on daily work."
He demonstrated remarkable leadership: "I maintained regular contact, offering both mental and financial support. Ensuring nobody felt alone became a priority. These artists work throughout the month expecting end-of-month salaries, which stopped during lockdown. I assisted with rations, medicines, and whatever support I could provide."
Post-Pandemic Theatre Renaissance
Returning to stage brought renewed appreciation: "The experience was marvelous, even with 50 percent seating restrictions and social distancing measures. We implemented thorough sanitization protocols, and audiences displayed tremendous excitement—they had grown tired of television viewing."
Damle observed positive changes: "Before COVID-19, we typically had 50-60 new plays annually, with only three or four achieving success. Now, from similar numbers, eight or nine productions are performing well. Many contemporary theatre practitioners are well-educated individuals creating meaningful work, which has increased audience engagement."
Current Projects and Future Outlook
Damle remains actively engaged with multiple productions: "Currently, we're managing five different productions. My latest play has already completed 810 performances, following nearly 200 days of intensive rehearsal and study."
His concluding thoughts reflect enduring commitment: "I sincerely hope such disruptive breaks never recur. Theatre represents collaborative teamwork where every contributor matters—from actors to backstage artists. Supporting this ecosystem ensures our cultural heritage continues thriving for generations to come."
