Tendulkar Tribute: Screening of Nihilani's Film on Communalism on June 12, in Pune

(Pune Newsline, Indian Express,July 10, 2008)

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by Meeta Deshpande


Students of S P College [Pune, India] will showcase a series of events as a tribute to the late Vijay Tendulkar


It was few months ago when the figure that towered over the Marathi literary field for long passed away creating a deep void, which perhaps will remain, unfilled for long. Tendulkar whose stand on controversial issues jolted the Marathi theatre has left an indelible mark on the young minds, which are always eager to explore and experiment the new facets of life.

As a fitting tribute to the indefatigable spirit of this great master, the Art Circle of S P College has organised a day long event focusing on the life and work of Tendulkar.

The series of events showcasing the works of Tendulkar aim at portraying his ideologies and bringing across his beliefs as clearly as possible. The day will start with Katha Vachan where a story written by Tendulkar will be read out Aamchyavar Prem Kon Karnar, Tendulkar's first story written around 1940 dealt with the traumas of a young girl whose wedding was called off. The woman in his play is unlike the coy demure woman of that era and sets out to seek answers from the man she was supposed to marry. Kshitij, one of the members of the theatre group, SP College says, "Tendulkar was quite a revolutionary and his ideas always were way ahead of times."

The events will also bring forth the articles that Tendulkar wrote in several newspapers during the bomb blasts of 1992-93, a fact that is not known to many. Some of the articles out of the 96 that he has written during that period will also be read out.

The students will also present a play written by Tendulkar called Ramprahar. The Hindi film Aaghat will be screened in the afternoon. Tendulkar has an enormous contribution in films. Govind Nihiliani directed the film and it focuses on the issues of communalism and industrialization. Parnab Mukharjee will present an English play, Letters to Tendulkar. The heartfelt tribute to the legendary playwright who inspired multitudes will end with the screening of documentary Tendulkar and Violence. The documentary directed by Atul Pethe throws light on Tendulkar's life and career.

(The series of event will take place on July 12 [2008], 11am onwards at S P College, Student's Hall.)