In 1911, Krishnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar wrote Manapman, a play that became a cornerstone of Marathi theatre with its message of setting aside personal pride in favour of collective ideals. A decade later, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, Mahatma Gandhi announced the formation of the Tilak Swaraj Fund to honour Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his first death anniversary. Inspired by this call, two prominent rival theatre companies—Bal Gandharva’s Gandharva Natak Mandali and Keshavrao Bhosale’s Lalitkaladarsh—chose to collaborate on a joint production of Manapman, which they had previously staged separately.

Despite warnings from ardent fans that an alliance might dilute individual followings, the two legends prioritised higher purpose over personal gain, delivering Sanyukta Manapman as an unprecedented symbol of cultural unity and patriotic spirit. Just as India was rallying toward Independence, the play’s message—that personal pride (maan) should yield to a greater cause—resonated powerfully as Marathi theatre’s tribute to both Mahatma Gandhi and Lokmanya Tilak.