This play is a Hindi adaptation of D.B Mokashi’s novel Anandowari, a seminal work in Marathi Literature.

Originally published in 1974, the novel Anandowari looks at 17th century saint poet Tukaram’s story through his younger brother Kanha’s perspective. Tukaram has gone missing again. This time though the hints seem ominous. He may not come back again. There are many speculations about his disappearance. Kanha, his younger brother re-commences this ritual of search for his younger brother and in the process recalls his brother’s story. It takes us through those 3 days of Kanha’s frantic search for Tuka and his many realisations about his brother.

Our adaptation also focuses on the questions of the creative consciousness of the saint poet Tukaram, the source of his poetry, his metaphysical preoccupations, his social rebellion, his love for his beloved God Vitthal. We wondered what would happen if the writer stepped into his own story? His character has found salvation, what about the writer? How will he? It is an investigation into that search… A devotee in search of God. A man in search of his brother. A writer in search of his Tukaram. And so these two quests came to be juxtaposed.  And they interpenetrate and illuminate each other.  

Original Novel Anandowari by D.B Mokashi

Adaptation and Direction: Gerish Khemani

Hindi Translation: Jaya Dayal

Performed by: Varad Salvekar, Hrishabh Kanti

Background Score: Ruturaj Bhosle

Light Design: Sachin Lele

Lights Operation: Prerana

Duration: 70 mins

Performance Language: Hindi

Poster Design and Creatives: Robin Patel