Veteran folk artist Madhukar Nerale passes away at 83

Senior Shahir and folk artist Madhukar Nerale passed away on Monday, November 25, after a heart attack at his residence in Lalbagh, Mumbai.

The 83-year-old was a cornerstone of the Tamasha community, and a celebrated practitioner of this traditional art form. His sudden demise, after a brief illness, has left his admirers and the artistic community in shock.

Junnar taluka native Madhukar Nerale was a folk performance personality of repute. His funeral procession began from New Hanuman Theatre, Lalbagh, at 8:30 p.m. on November 25 and he was cremated at the Bhoiwada Crematorium. Tributes have been flowing in for the late artist, with many paying their deepest respects to his contribution to folk art and the legacy he has left behind.

For the unversed, Madhukar Nerale was born on June 9, 1943, in Junnar. His family, originally the Kardile family, had migrated to Junnar from Otur. The surname 'Nerale' came from his grandfather's extended stay in Neral, near Karjat, where he was involved in the oil business.

Shahir Madhukar Nerale, together with Shahir Shivaji Sable, established the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Shahir Parishad, through which the state's Shahirs found a significant outlet. This organization went on to solve several issues that were bothering the artistic world.

Nerale also played a significant role in organizing and uplifting Tamasha artists, seeing to their well-being and making them known. His involvement with the state government's Censor Board and the Kalawant Remuneration Committee further speaks to his commitment to performing advocacy in the interest of better conditions and equitable treatment for the performers.

Besides this, he also presented folk dramas to the stage, such as 'Punvechi Ratra Kajali,' 'Ud Ga Ambe Udm,' 'Ek Nar Char Bejar,' 'Rajkaran Geleet,' 'Gadhwa Cha Lagna,' among others.