17 August,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani Gabhare
Shakuntalabai Nagarkar performs a Lavani
The essence of Lavani is often relayed through its catchy rhythms, intricate footwork and infectious dholki beats. But beneath the music lies a living and breathing archive of women, communities and performers who have used the form to tell stories of love, desire, heartbreak, humour, struggle and survival.
B Spot Productions will host a one-day Lavani Festival at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, as a tribute to veteran Lavani exponent and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Shakuntala Nagarkar. "Our idea is to immerse people into the art form. They can watch, read, try and see all these things," says director Bhushan Korgaonkar.
Nagarkar in her early 20s; (right) the Lavani exponent portrays the intense eye contact needed for an expression. Pics courtesy/Kunal Vijayakar, Keya Arati, Ayesha Sheikh, Sneha Murchavade, Shubha Gokhale and Manasi Gadkar, @b_spot_productions
The festival will bring together a photo exhibition dedicated to Nagarkar, performances, a workshop led by artiste Akshay Malvankar and a book sale of Sangeet Bari (Rajhans Prakashan), written by Bhushan Korgaonkar. Now in its third edition, the book brings together the stories and experiences of Lavani artists, offering a closer look at the people and communities behind the art form. Together, these elements form a collective tribute to Nagarkar, with proceeds going towards her treatment as a cancer survivor, as well as that of fellow artiste Chandrakant Lakhe.
The day will feature Lavani Ke Rang, a 90-minute production without an interval, featuring Geetanjali Kulkarni as a theatre malkin (owner) who introduces audiences to different styles through performance.
The free workshop will also introduce basic Lavani steps like Toda/Tukda, Laggi, Chakradhar, Baithakichi Lavani and Adhaa/Nazakat by Malvankar. To conclude the day, Love & Lavani, a two-hour play based on the real-life love story of Lavani artiste Shabana Ashturkar, will follow where artistes Anita Date and Sambhaji Sasane anchor the show.
Geetanjali Kulkarni with Nagarkar in the green room
Like this writer, most readers are aware of how Shakuntala Nagarkar has lit up the stage, but her story is also one of resilience and independence. "For me, Shakuntala Nagarkar represents the difference between a good artiste, and one who touches people. I remember her telling stories from her life, and even bringing a specific peanut chutney from home that we all came to really like. She made a gesture with her eyes - a reminder that what she brings to the stage comes from having lived those experiences," shares director Kunal Vijaykar.
Chandrakant Lakhe
Sasane says, "Knowing her for about eight years, since I first saw her in Sangeet Bari, what I remember most is after performing, when she came into the wings exhausted, we would hug and share a little banter. Just recently, when I met her, she chuckled and told me that I'll have an amazing journey ahead as an actor. For me, she represents the fierceness, love and spirit of the Lavani world."
Theatre artiste Geetanjali Kulkarni says, "Eminent people don't preach, they simply practise. As a performer, I look up to the way she looked into the eyes of the audience. You require guts, and that's the aura she has."
On August 21; 10 am onwards
At Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
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Call 9892009357
Shakuntala Nagarkar and Bhushan Korgaonkar in Pune
Korgaonkar recalls, "She was an extremely introverted person. When we used to have our get-togethers, we used to talk for hours about heartbreak, life, love, longing along with so many topics and I personally got attached to her. Not a lot of people would know that she was a foodie and made a simple yet delicious mutton dish, often giving me the most succulent parts." Kulkarni adds, "She despised bland food, and would always prefer something super spicy."
Shakuntalabai Nagarkar, better known as Shakubai, has spent more than five decades performing Lavani. Known for Sangeet Bari, a traditional performance circuit where Lavani artistes sing, dance and perform abhinaya (act) in an intimate setting for a live audience. Hailing from the Bhatu Kolhati community, Nagarkar has also worked across theatre and cinema and trained younger Lavani performers. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2008 for her contribution to traditional and folk performing arts.
2008
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Nagarkar contribution to traditional and folk performing arts.
