Prof. Dr. Avinash Kolhe celebrates Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Pramod Pawar, whose remarkable journey through Marathi theatre, musical drama, children's theatre and direction reflects decades of artistic excellence, dedication and cultural contribution.

Pramod Pawar belongs to a generation of Marathi theatre practitioners who bridged the worlds of experimental theatre, commercial theatre, children's theatre and the rich tradition of Sangeet Natak. His career spans a period when Marathi theatre evolved from the politically charged and socially conscious works of Vijay Tendulkar and Mahesh Elkunchwar to contemporary musical productions that continue to attract packed audiences across Maharashtra. Today, Marathi theatre remains one of India's most vibrant stage traditions, balancing heritage and innovation while drawing from nearly two centuries of theatrical history.

Every year, the awards given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) are among the most eagerly awaited honours in the performing arts. The SNA was established in 1953 during the Nehru era. The Akademi presents awards for outstanding contributions to Music, Dance and Drama. A few days ago, these awards were announced for the year 2025. This year, Pramod Pawar, a senior theatre personality, received the award for Direction, while Ashok Patki was honoured for Music for Theatre.

From Inter-Collegiate Competitions To Professional Theatre

Pramod (born in 1956) has been active on stage for many years now. He cut his teeth in inter-collegiate drama competitions and won the INT competition in 1978. In those days, and even today to a certain extent, such awardees were and are noticed by both parallel and commercial theatre.

Following this trajectory, Pramod got the opportunity to play the role of Lokmanya Tilak in Tilak and Agarkar, written and directed by the legendary late Vishram Bedekar.

In due course, Pramod became active in children's theatre, television serials, and both parallel and commercial Marathi theatre. He then moved into direction and directed musical plays such as Sangeet Swayamwar, Sangeet Sant Gora Kumbhar and many others for the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.

Not only that, he also directed plays for the Nehru Centre, Worli. These included musicals such as Sangeet Bhagmati as well as one of Vijay Tendulkar's most notable plays, Gidhade. Like Tendulkar's Sakharam Binder, Gidhade too generated tremendous controversy in the 1970s.

His role in Mahesh Elkunchwar's outstanding play Wada Chirebandi was widely applauded. This earned him tens of thousands of admirers across Maharashtra.

Recognition Beyond The Stage

Pramod's multifaceted experience brought him honours such as serving on the jury of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Maharashtra State Drama Competitions.

His plays were performed at prestigious theatre festivals held at venues such as the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. His contribution to working-class theatre in Mumbai has been significant.

Among his recent works is Hind Ki Chadar, a production based on the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is an apt recognition of Pramod Pawar's years of hard work, artistic commitment and invaluable contribution to Marathi theatre and the performing arts.