Bilimaro Explores the Lives of Dashavtar Folk Artists in New Play

About Bilimaro

Bilimaro focuses on a unique character where a male actor plays a female role, walking into the audience with a *pooja thali* to ask for donations. For many new actors, this serves as a test of courage and public engagement. The character is currently played by Shanti, who dreams of portraying the King. His father, a celebrated artist known for female roles, insists Shanti follow in his footsteps, while Shanti's girlfriend encourages him to break the pattern and take a negative role in the Dashavtar performance. The play combines the vibrant Dashavtar folk style on stage with realistic drama style backstage, highlighting artists who face poverty and struggles off stage.

Writer and Director

The play is written by Tejas, who has written and performed Dashavtar in Marathi for six years, combining Dashavtar and realistic acting styles. It is directed by Dr. Milind Inamdar, an alumnus of the National School of Drama with over 30 years of theatre experience. Dr. Inamdar adapted the Marathi play into Hindi after studying the Dashavtar style in depth, utilizing live music, live singing by actors, and elements like the Langar dance with actors from the NSD Varanasi Centre and other participants.

Production Group

The production is presented by Srujan Foundation, established in 2010. The group has produced several plays in Hindi and Marathi, including Ajintha, Wanarayan, and Eka Dhotrachi Goshta, showcasing them at national and international theatre festivals while organizing theatre workshops and classes.