Actor Siddharth Menon Revives 800-Year-Old Dashavatari Folk Theatre in Pune
In a remarkable cultural revival, actor Siddharth Menon, celebrated for his role in the Marathi film Dashavatar, is bringing the ancient and vibrant tradition of Dashavatari Mahanatya to the urban stages of Pune. This folk art form, deeply rooted in the red soil of Konkan and nurtured over nearly 800 years, represents Maharashtra's priceless living heritage, relying solely on faith, rhythm, memory, and raw performance energy.
Authentic Presentation with Veteran Artists
Menon's production features veteran Dashavatari exponents Dada Rane Konaskar and Gaurav Shirke, whose mastery and lineage infuse the event with unparalleled authenticity. The ensemble includes 25 artists, supported by 8 technical crew members, 3 traditional percussionists (vadak), and a carefully planned lighting design that enhances the live improvisation without overshadowing it. This year's edition is particularly special, as senior artist Dada Rane Konaskar will present spectacular live trick scenes on the Dashavatar stage for the first time, adding a new and grand dimension to the traditional form.
The Essence of Dashavatari Mahanatya
Dashavatari Mahanatya is a form of folk theatre based on the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, performed directly on stage without a written script, rehearsed dialogues, or elaborate sets. As Siddharth Menon explained at a press conference, the artists decide the story just before the performance begins and improvise the entire show live. "There isn't a single rehearsed dialogue, and yet the storytelling is powerful and complete," he said. The uniqueness of this art lies in artists doing their own makeup and costumes, combining powerful acting, devotion, humour, rhythm, dialogue, and physical expression.
Expanding Reach and Preserving Tradition
Following an overwhelming response to the Dashavatari Mahotsav held in Pune last December, the makers decided that limiting the experience to a few shows would be unjust to both the art form and its artists. The result is a larger, more immersive presentation featuring artists from Jay Hanuman Traditional Dashavatar Natya Mandal, Sawantwadi, Maharashtra. Menon's vision extends beyond Pune, aiming to take Dashavatari Mahanaatya to cities like Mumbai, Kolhapur, Nashik, Nagpur, Vidarbha, Indore, and even internationally. "Folk art grows when cultures meet, when cities embrace it," he emphasized.
Blending Tradition with Modernity
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the team launched a motion poster for a folk art performance, marking a rare blend of tradition and modern presentation. This move aims to connect younger audiences with a centuries-old legacy through contemporary storytelling tools. Multilingual writer and theatre director Bhushan Koregaonkar, present at the occasion, noted that Dashavatari and Lavani are living traditions, not museum pieces. Their power lies in raw improvisation, inherited knowledge, and fearless expression passed orally across generations.
Upcoming Shows and Ticket Details
The upcoming shows will be staged at Ramkrishna More Theatre, Pimpri Chinchwad, on February 7 and Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Pune, on February 8. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, offering audiences a chance to witness this timeless art form that thrives on spontaneity and devotion, preserving an 800-year-old tradition for future generations.
