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Marathi Vangmay Mandal Brings ‘Natarang Ubha’ to Life on Stag

​MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026: St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, hosted a spectacular inaugural event for 2026 presented by the Marathi Vangmay Mandal, themed ‘Natarang Ubha’. The journey of Marathi theatre—evolving generation after generation—was unfolded on stage through a heartfelt dialogue between a grandfather and his granddaughter.
​The program portrayed the rich timeline of Marathi theatre, transitioning from its traditional, historical roots to contemporary performances shaped by social change and creative experimentation. Combining music, dance, literature, drama, and art, the performance highlighted the changing dynamic of Marathi theatre and its deep connection to storytelling.

​The music department paid tribute to the Padma Shri awardee and legendary Hindustani classical singer and stage artist, Jaymala Shiledar, through a musical play (Sangeet Natak). The literature department presented an insightful segment titled ‘Samaajik-Raajkiya Naatak’ (Socio-Political Drama). It illustrated how artists utilize metaphors and performance techniques to express social themes despite facing ideological opposition, drawing from the journeys of various playwrights.

The dance department carried forward the legacy of Vitabai Narayangaonkar, celebrated as the “Queen of Tamasha,” by performing the vibrant Tamasha art form. The energetic performance showcased the rich folk tradition on stage, bringing the event to a grand conclusion.
​The grand event was graced by eminent personalities, including famed actress and ‘Maharashtra’s Lavani Samragni’ award recipient Megha Ghadge, Filmfare award-winning playback singer Mayur Sukaale, and writer-director Devendra Prem, known for the hit play ‘All The Best’, which has completed over 10,000 shows.
​Reflecting on student life and learning from mistakes, Mr. Prem remarked, “College provides the space to make mistakes, and it is through these mistakes that a person grows, leading to fewer errors in the future.”

The showcase celebrated the rich heritage and continuously evolving nature of Marathi theatre. It reinforced the essential role of the Marathi Vangmay Mandal in connecting younger generations to Marathi language, literature, culture, and various art forms. The 103-year-old Marathi Vangmay Mandal at St. Xavier’s College continues its dedicated efforts to promote the Marathi language and engage students with its cultural legacy.