Shriram Lagoo: This theatre artist is 88 years old today. But his accomplishments speak louder than his age. Shreeram Lagoo has contributed widely in Marathi theatres and films as well as in Hindi plays and movies. He has acted in over 50 Marathi plays and over 100 Marathi and Hindi films. Apart from this, this veteran actor has raised voice for social causes. His high honors include Kalidas Samman in 1997 (for valuable contribution to theatre) , Dinanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan 2006 (for his relentless work in cinema and aesthetics), Punya Bhushan Puraskar 2007 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2010. The Marathi plays he is most loved for are: Natsamrat, Surya Pahilela Manus, Atmakatha, Aadhe Adhure.
Dilip Prabhavalkar : Marathi cinema and theatre is incomplete without the mention of this stalwart. Hindi movie fans are familiar with him as none other than Mahatma Gandhi in the Raju Hirani’s Sanjay Dutt starrer Lage Raho Munna Bhai. His humility and politeness is endearing to the Marathi cinema lovers. He gets into any role be it a Father or an activist. He has authored many plays and children’s story books. He has received many honors including Bal Gandharva Puraskar 2006, Maharashtra State award for best actor in 1992, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2010, Natavarya Mama Pendse Puraskrut Natasamrat Ganpatrao Bhagwat Puraskar, Suvarnaratna award 2015. His most popular plays are Vasuchi Sasu, Chook Bhool Dyavi, Jawai Maza Bhala.
Atul Kulkarni: This 51 year old Marathi and Hindi actor became popular in the role of Laxman Pandey in Rang De Basanti in 2006. But in Marathi theatre, Atul has always been more than just an average. Passing out from National School of Drama, he has been active in Marathi theatre from the start even before he forayed into films. His award and accolades include: 5 Best actor awards and 1 Best director Award in Maharashtra State level Drama Competition, 8 Best Actor awards for the play Gandhi Viruddh Gandhi in 1996. It is exemplary and a record in Marathi Theatre. Nanasaheb Phatak Award is also bestowed on him. Gandhi Viruddh Gandhi stands out as his most prominent work in Marathi theatre.
Geetanjali Kulkarni: She is the wife of Atul Kulkarni but this lady of the theatre has made a mark of her own in Marathi theatre and now in films. She came to the lime light with the national award winning Marathi film Court last year in which she played a lawyer. Geetanjali is splendid on the stage with a rhythm and grace of her own. Piya Behrupiya is the most splendid performance on stage by the actress in which she plays from changing spirit in Shakespearean classic A Midnight Summer Dream.
Prashant Damle : Having played roles of various shades, Prashanth Damle is known for his contribution to over 30 Marathi plays and numerous films. Gela Madhav Kunikade and Lekure Udand Jhali and Priyatma are his best known works. He is a master of Limca records with 5 Limca records to his name which includes 8000 shows of a play from 1983 till date. His awards are a long list with many Maharashtra state award for best actor and Natyadarpan and Natyanirmata Sangh awards.
Subhod Bhave: Though he has a charming face and a sweet demeanor, Subhod Bhave gets into the skin of any character whether Black or White or Soft or Tough. His performance in plays like Sthal Snehamandir, Maitar, Yelkot and Aata De Taali.
Priya Bapat : Her lustrous smile and relentless hard work has made her one of the most sought after actresses in Marathi theatre and films. Nava Gadi Nava Rajya was a superhit play that was staged for many years across Maharashtra. She and her husband Umesh Kamat played a couple and this real life Jodi was adored by all.
Umesh Kamat: This talented actor stepped into Marathi theatre before he began his career in cinema. Starting with Sonchafa in 1988, he has tasted success with Nava Gadi Nava Rajya , Gandhi Aadva Yeto.
Swapnil Joshi: After tasting success with films, Swapnil Joshi joined Marathi theatre with Tea, Coffee or Me. later his drama Get Well Soon was staged to a warm response. The actor is slowly catching up with the Marathi theatre lovers. Of course no one can forget how magically he played the role of Krishna on Ramanand Sagar’s SreeKrishna on National TV when he was a teenager.
