Balranjan, the children unit of Ranjan Kala Mandir, is celebrating its golden jubilee this year, and is organising its grand two-day Golden Jubilee Celebration on March 30 and 31 at Scientific Hall. ‘Balranjan’ Ranjan Kala Mandir was founded in 1975 on the day of Gudhi Padwa by late Purushottam Darwhekar, a renowned playwright, director, producer, and lyricist. Darwhekar was also called as ‘Master’.

 

Dr Pankaj Chande, former Vice-Chancellor of Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek, will preside over the programme. Sandip Joshi, MLC, will be the chief guest. Prakash Edlabadkar, Adv Raman Senad, and Dr Ranjan Darwhekar will also be present. On March 30, the registrations will be held from 4 pm to 5 pm, and felicitation ceremony of artists who are associated with the organisation in its 50 years of journey will be conducted from 5 pm to 7 pm. On the same day, three one-act plays written by late Purushottam Darwhekar will be staged between 7 pm and 9.30 pm. The title of the plays are ‘Kabuliwala’ directed by Meghshyam Badkas, ‘Abol Zali Satar’ directed by Abhishek Kane, and ‘To Kon Hota’ directed by Sachin Giri.

 

The plays will be presented by theatre artists of the age-group 5 to 16 years. On March 31, a get-together of artists will be held at ‘Vishnu Ji Ki Rasoi’, between 10 am and 1 pm. Sanjay Pendse, Director and Producer of Balranjan, expressed that the golden jubilee is a step towards a brighter future for children’s theatre and to keep the spirit of storytelling alive. The event will mark Balranjan’s 50 years of shaping young talents in theatre and performing arts, and letting them explore the world of drama and storytelling. The programme will be moderated by Milind Gharpure, Prasanna Shembekar, Radhika Deshpande and team. Entry is open and free for all.