The National Centre for the Performing Arts presents two celebrated works by the legendary P. L. Deshpande in a special double bill. Following their successful run in November 2025, both productions return to the stage by popular demand. The evening opens with Mad Sakharam, Deshpande’s satirical response to the censorship controversy surrounding Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder, followed by Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas, a theatrical adaptation of his acclaimed literary work. This rare opportunity celebrates Deshpande’s wit, his commitment to artistic freedom, and his unparalleled contribution to Marathi literature and theatre.
Event 1 – Mad Sakharam
Godrej Dance Theatre | January 18, 2026 | 5:00 pm
An NCPA Collaboration
Back by popular demand, this production presents a unique chapter in Marathi theatre history, where one playwright defended another through the art of satire. In the 1970s, when Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder faced severe censorship and attempts to shut down performances for its bold examination of societal hypocrisy, P. L. Deshpande responded with his own play, Bhagwan Sri Sakharam Binder. What appeared to be a parody was actually a clever defence of artistic freedom, highlighting the absurdity of moral policing while standing in solidarity with Tendulkar’s right to address uncomfortable truths.
Directed by Mangesh Satpute, Mad Sakharam features Sunil Jadhav, Vishal More, Shreyas Vaidya, Alka Parab, Kiran Rajput, and Prajakta Pawar, with music by Mandar Kamlapurkar, set design by Sandesh Bendre, and lighting by Amogh Phadake. The play examines how art confronts hypocrisy and challenges those who position themselves as cultural gatekeepers. Deshpande’s satirical approach demonstrates that humour can be a powerful tool for social critique, a theme that remains relevant in contemporary discourse.
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets (Inclusive of GST)
- Members: Rs. 450/-
- Non-Members: Rs. 500/-
Event 2 – Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas
Godrej Dance Theatre | January 18, 2026 | 7:15 pm
An NCPA Presentation
Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas is a delightful literary work by P. L. Deshpande, originally published as an expanded article in Mauj magazine. The work is renowned for its profound, scholarly, and thought-provoking humour that examines the excluded history of Marathi literature. Though health issues prevented Deshpande from writing further instalments, this single work showcases the brilliance of his intellect and wit, offering a satirical take on literary history that remains both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
Presented on the occasion of his birth anniversary, this one-hour performance introduces today’s generation to Deshpande’s unique brand of ‘serious’ humour. The adaptation by Mukesh Machkar, directed by Mangesh Satpute, weaves together the spirit of the original work with some of Deshpande’s other beloved characters, connecting contemporary realities with literary commentary. The cast features Sanjay Gosavi, Mayuresh Khole, Dhanashri Lele, Mehul Bharti, Dhanashri Patil, and Shreyas Vaidya, and is presented by Sonali Kulkarni.
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets (Inclusive of GST)
- Members: Rs. 450/-
- Non-Members: Rs. 500/-
Come and witness the performances that Mumbai demanded to see again.
