Theatre Review: Himalaychi Savali

Directed by: Rajesh Deshpande
Cast: Sharad Ponkshe, Shruja Prabhudesai, Jayant Ghate, Krushna Rajshekhar, Vighnesh Joshi, Pankaj Khamkar, Omkar Karve, Makarand Navghare, Prakash Sable, Rutuja Chipade and Kapil Redekar
Duration: 3 hours
Language: Marathi
Rating: 3.5/ 5


The name of the play

Himalayachi Savali

, originally written by

Vasant Kanetkar

in 1972 and revived by director Rajesh Deshpande, translates to the ‘Shadow of Himalayas’.
The story revolves around Nanasaheb – a professor deeply committed to his ashram that works towards the upliftment of young widows. It describes what it feels like to live in the shadow of a great man. Furthermore, it delves into the complex dynamics of a family – one where all the members want the best for each other, but differ greatly in perspectives. Nanasaheb is so deeply involved in his charity, that he often ends up neglecting his home and his family in the bargain. This often leads to tension and resentment among his daughter, sons and wife.
Many times during the play, Nanasaheb’s children struggle to come to terms with being neglected by him, in favour of his loftier goals. For example, instead of using his insurance money to fund his son’s education abroad, Nanasaheb chooses to use the money to buy land for his ashram. Through it all, his wife Bayo, though often conflicted herself, chooses to remain by his side like a rock, often defending his decisions, and restoring balance to the family.
Nanasaheb is dealt a huge blow, when his disciple Keshav decides to marry his daughter.

Not only was Keshav meant to remain a bachelor and dedicate his life to the ashram, but his decision to marry Nanasaheb’s daughter leads to Nanasaheb being ousted from the ashram’s board of trustees. Instead, he is named a namesake president, his power over the institution all but diminished.
Shocked, Nanasaheb suffers a paralytic stroke in his later years. Eventually, he decides to start another ashram, one located on the outskirts of the city. His children plead with him to not do so, seeing as both Nanasaheb and Bayo are now aged, and need their care, but the couple sets out on the new path.
Sharad Ponkshe, who only recently beat cancer and is returning to the stage after a long gap, plays the lead role of Nanasaheb effortlessly. He portrays the ups and downs the character faces in life perfectly, and manages to convey the character’s dedication, emotions and – at times – helplessness, in a way that leaves the audience teary-eyed.
Shruja Prabhudesai too has played the role of a much older character – Bayo – perfectly. Both the lead actors take the audience on roller-coaster ride of emotions, showing every facet of family life. The rest of the cast also does justice to their parts. Kapil Redekar brings out the complicated, bordering on indifferent, relationship between the son and the father perfectly.
Though slow during the initial parts, the play picks up pace eventually and doesn’t disappoint. A special mention to the lighting and set design, apt for the era the plot is set in.