Prashant Damle, renowned actor and producer, is set to receive the prestigious ‘Vishnudas Bhave’ award, making him the youngest theater artist ever to receive this honor. In a press interaction at CC & Company, Prabhat Road, Pune, Damle expressed his pride in being recognized as a comedy actor and shared his insights on Marathi theater and the challenges it faces.
“Comedy has many layers,” Damle explained, comparing it to preparing the famous Maharashtrian delicacy ‘Puranpoli.’ He emphasized the skill required to generate laughter through well-chosen words, timely pauses during dialogue delivery, and avoiding below-the-belt humor based on language while maintaining quality.
With a theater career spanning 40 years and over 12,793 shows, Damle revealed that his passion for Marathi theater brings him immense joy. He expressed his belief that there’s still a long way to go in reaching more enthusiasts, as only a fraction of Maharashtra’s population are genuine theater enthusiasts.
During the press interaction, Damle also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Marathi theater. He shared that the pandemic provided an opportunity for introspection, allowing artists and directors to explore new approaches. Post-COVID, there has been an increase in the number of plays and their quality, with more works receiving positive responses from audiences.
Damle acknowledged that Marathi theater has faced various challenges over the years but has persevered. The post-COVID period witnessed a shift from weekend-only shows to performances on weekdays, a significant development.
He highlighted the changing trend where audiences now attend shows based on the artists rather than the institutions. As a result, artists bear the responsibility of maintaining audience interest.
Damle also addressed the need for artists, directors, and institutions to maintain high standards and not compromise on quality when creating art. He stressed the importance of the government providing basic facilities, audiences using theaters appropriately, and artists presenting high-quality art.
In conclusion, Damle emphasized the collective responsibility of preserving and advancing the tradition of Marathi theater, ensuring its continued success and growth.
