An unforgettable treasure of Marathi theatre – Pu. La. Deshpande’s play Sundar Mi Honar – is set to return to the stage after an impressive thirty years. The occasion marks the 25th death anniversary of Pu. La. Deshpande and the centenary year of his wife, the writer Sunitabai Deshpande. In this special production, Swanandi Tikekar will portray the pivotal role of Bebiraje.
Swanandi is making her comeback to professional Marathi theatre after almost three years. Previously seen in popular plays like “103” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, she is currently active in the Hindi play “Mahanagar ke Jugnu” and the English play “Middle Class Dreams of a Summer Night.” However, “Sundar Mi Honar” has drawn her heart back to Marathi theatre.
Swanandi shares, “Producer Akash Bhadsawale called me and asked, ‘Would you like to do a play?’ The moment he mentioned the title, I thought – such a beautiful script, and a Pu. La. Deshpande play at that – how could I even think of refusing?” Her deep respect for Pu. La.’s writing and the strength of his theatrical works resonate clearly in her words.
The character of Bebiraje is very close to Swanandi’s own personality. Bebiraje is somewhat rebellious, values her independence, and is self-aware—qualities that perfectly align with today’s spirit.
“Bebiraje feels exactly like me. She has her own opinions. She seeks something beyond what is easily available to her. This searching spirit touched me deeply,” she expressed emotionally.
Performing in a Pu. La. play is, for her, not just an artistic opportunity but a profound act of devotion.
“I had watched this play before but never read it. Now, to bring Pu. La.’s own written words to life on stage feels truly sacred,” she humbly admitted.
Bebiraje’s story isn’t just that of a young girl in a household—it’s about new ideas, about challenging societal boundaries. Her journey reflects the struggles of today’s youth in carving out their unique identities. For Swanandi, refusing this role was simply not an option.
The play is being directed by veteran Rajesh Deshpande, who has previously directed Pu. La. Deshpande’s “Ti Phulrani” and Vasant Kanetkar’s “Himalayachi Saavli,” demonstrating a deep understanding of classical Marathi theatre. His experience brings great confidence to this new staging of “Sundar Mi Honar.”
The production is helmed by Karan Desai and Akash Bhadsawale. Alongside Swanandi (as Bebiraje), seasoned actors like Aastad Kale (as Sanjay) and Shruja Prabhudesai (as Didiraje) will also perform. Supporting roles will feature promising new talents such as Srujan Deshpande, Shruti Patil, and Nilesh Datar.
The music is composed by Milind Joshi, sets by Sandesh Bendre, costumes by Mangal Kenkre, and production management by Nitin Naik.
The grand premiere of Sundar Mi Honar will take place in Pune on Thursday, June 12, 2025—on Pu. La. Deshpande’s 25th death anniversary—and in Mumbai on Friday, June 13, 2025.
An added element of curiosity among theatre lovers is the casting of three important characters – Maharaj, Doctor, and Suresh – whose actors are yet to be revealed.
