Marathi Sangeet Natak, which tastefully combines prose with poetry and has often been touted as the Indian Opera, has very few takers today. The art form, which was started in the 1840s and boomed during the British Raj, has been languishing, as it demands actors to act as well as indulge in classical singing. However, Nehru Centre in Worli, Mumbai has been striving to keep this art form alive by organising the Marathi Sangeet Natak Mahotsav for the past 20 years. This year, the three-day event starting from February 26 will feature plays produced by Nehru Centre along with productions from Goa and Pune.

The cast of Sangeet Prarabdh Parva rehearse at Nehru Centre, Worli. Pic/ Bipin Kokate