Damle-Deshpande present a treat of musical drama

Nagpur: Not losing its context or its musical content, Sangeet Sanshay Kallol, which was staged at Deshpande Hall on Saturday evening, enthralled the audience just the way it must have a century back. Written by Govind Ballal Deval in 1916, the play was revived by Prashant Damle Fan Foundation a couple of years back. It’s an age old plot of doubting loyalties and lovers tiff.But this one comes with good measures of music. Phalgunrao and his wife Kritikabai are caught in a maze of misunderstandings which spill into the lives of lovers Revati and Ashwin Sheth and nearly ruin their relationship. Aided by the male and female servants in Phalgunrao’s home, the narrative meanders along in a swift flow of humour, dramatics and music.
Musical theatre can be extremely taxing for the actors as it requires them to act, sing and emote all at the same time. But the deft manner in which the two male leads Prashant Damale as Phalgunrao and Rahul Deshpande as Ashwin Sheth execute this one, it leaves the connoisseurs of theatre savouring the after taste.
Damale is a natural on stage, improvising and adding his own comic touch to the character. If he scores with his stupendous acting skills, Deshpande rides on the sheer power of his vocals. The original drama had 30 songs and this has 18. Majority of them have been sung by Deshpande with ease and aplomb. He also shows his penchant for acting by veering towards the dramatic.
In the modern times, musicals can get a tad slow and may appear to be stuck as actors stand in one place while singing. They also interfere with the narrative. But Kallol … maintains it’s pace on the strength of Damale’s acting prowess while the rich and resonant voice of Deshpande helps retain the plays quaint flavours and keep its antique value intact.
The play is a double treat for the music and theatre buff, said city builder Ashuthosh Shewalkar. “I love this one for its music and literary content. The humour is live and the heart of the drama is music.” Enjoying the act, businesswoman Sona Nilawar said, “Having Rahul Deshpande and Prashant Damale together is a double treat. It is the right mix of drama and music.”
Two shows of the play will be held on Sunday at 5.30pm and 8.30pm.