Matkhai Mahotsav is a unique effort by
‘Bhumika’, the leading theatre group from Balangir. The multilingual drama
festival showcases plays written and staged in different parts of the country.
After its inception in 2007 it has travelled a long way and the festival’s message
has spread far and wide. The festival has become instrumental in spreading
socio-economic and socio-political awareness. In this context I chatted with
some biggies of the entertainment world as well as silver screen to register
their perspectives on this festival.
Udayan Aparajit is an Oriya actor who
has a couple of big-budget Kannada films to his credit. He was cast as the
protagonist in these films. The actor said, “Although so far I have not got a
chance to witness the festival, I am tracking it for the last few years. Over
the years Matkhai Mahotsav has received overwhelming response, not only from
the theatre community but from the audience too. The festival has become a most-awaited
theatre festival in Odisha.”
“Matkhai Mahotsav has earned accolades
from an array of national-level theatre personalities. The multilingual drama
fest is a unique effort since it brings chance for cultural exchange. In these days,
people have big craze for films and theatre is losing its erstwhile popularity.
But a true actor knows that theatre is the base for acting. Hence, it is time
to shine talents of the actors on the stage, before venturing for films. I will
really be happy if someday I will be invited there,” said renowned singer
Susmita Das from Bhubaneswar, who is a member of the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC).
Actress Sunita Babu narrated her
experience of the festival. She said, “I have attended Matkhai multilingual
drama festival once. It hosts plays in Hindi, Koshli, Bhojpuri and Bengali
languages. I enjoyed watching the play titled 'Gara Bandha'. The story revolved
around royal tradition. The central character of the play was an associate of
the king. In fact he was the bait to trap the animal when the king went for
hunting. The play depicted the life and struggle of Gara Bandha, the victim. It
conveyed an emotional social message.”
“The name of the festival itself indicates
the rich heritage of the land. It is great that the festival has been named after
a hill situated in the region,” said ‘Hari Bhai Harena’ fame actor Sunil Kumar.
“I am involved in theatre in Mumbai
and still continuing even after doing a number of Oriya films. I know well the
value of theatre. The contribution of Matkhai Mahotsav is big, as it provides a
platform to the theatre groups across the country to showcase their talents.
The festival is truly a confluence of multiple languages. It is a rare affair,”
he added.
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