Mahadevbhai (1892-1942)

TYPE OF PLAY: It is a historical play. It is about the history of Mahadev Desai who was Gandhijis secretary. This play is also homorous. THEME: It is a one person play which attempts to remind us of the time that were, and its characters. It also emphasizes on the devotion of truth. During this time Mahadevbhai maintained a daily diary. In this diary, he jotted down the innumerable letters to and by Gandhiji, as well as the conversations, bantering, lectures and discourses. All of this made Mahadevbhai a key witness to Gandhijis work, proving Mahadevbhais commitment to Satyagraha and struggle for Independence. CAST: This is a one man play which is very beautifully played by Jaimini Pathak who plays out various characters. NAME OF PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR: This play is wonderfully written and directed by Ramu Ramanathan. It is produced by Jaimini Pathak. BRIEF OUT LINE OF THE PLAY: This is a ninety minute one man show. This play explores the relevance of Gandhian principles and ideology and turns the spotlight on a man whose diaries and translation of My Experiments with Truth have been crucial in our understanding of Gandhijis life and works.

The form chosen is lively story telling, interspersed with humour where one actor play out various characters like Gandhiji, Mahadevbhai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, among others. He reveals how Gandhiji developed his philosophy of non-violence. The attempt is to understand the thoughts and principles that Gandhiji stood for; principles that are mare relevant in todays world: nonviolence, economic processes that favour the poorest of the poor, religious tolerance, removal of untouchability and discrimination against women. MESSAGE OF THE PLAY: It gives the message of patriotism. It shows that there are many who fought for the independence of the country. Some names are mentioned in the history while some names are nowhere to be found in the history. All the names who fought for the independence cannot be mentioned anywhere. It shows that Mahadevbhai was an important part of Gandhijis life. This play briefly describes the life of Mahadev Desai, a person generously devoted to the freedom struggle. This play shows how Mahadevbhai maintain a regular diary and jot down the points said by Gandhiji. This is shown very effectively when Mahadevbhai leaves his family, personal life on the advice of Gandhiji and gives himself wholly to the struggle. He is loyal to Gandhiji. IMPORTANT SITUATIONS IN THE PLAY: There may be many important situations in the play. Some of the important situations are when we are

shown Mahadevbhai jotting down the points said by Gandhiji, Gandhiji making speeches in public, Gandhiji fasting, Mahadevbhai trying to cook and at last when Mahadevbhai died on Gandhijis lap. SOUND AND LIGHT EFFECT: The light effect of the whole play was ideally given by Kavi Bhansali and sound effect is given Pragya Tiwari in a rhythmically. SETTING AND COSTUMES: The set was designed by Nikhil Khadilkar and Vinesh Iyer in a fantastic manner. The actor Jaimini Pathak was wearing ordinary shirt and pant. There was nothing special in the costume. He used to wear spectacles while performing the character of Mahadevbhai. ACTING: The actor Jaimini Pathak played his part very well in the play. Although he was wearing ordinary cloths, his acting was not affected. He played the parts of each and every character in the play in a superb manner. The play conveys whole message in a wonderful manner.