Neel Madhav (Dashaavtar), a traditional Konkani suspense thriller, was recently showcased at Nehru Centre, Worli. Featuring 18 artistes from Vengurla — including four men in women’s roles — the performance marked a historic return; the last Dashaavtar show here was by the Walawalkar Company in 1996. (Pics/Rane Ashish)
Updated On: 2026-04-22 12:10 PM IST
Compiled by : Tarun Verma
Backstage moments unfold as artistes from Vengurla prepare for the rare staging, reflecting the discipline behind the centuries-old Dashaavtar tradition
Actors immerse themselves fully in character, bringing mythological narratives alive with commanding stage presence and expressive dialogue
Precision meets tradition as a performer adds the finishing touches to his make-up ahead of the live act
A male artiste portraying a female character carefully adjusts anklets, highlighting the intricate detailing involved in cross-gender roles
Team spirit takes centre stage as one actor assists another with costume preparations before stepping into the spotlight
In a quiet moment of scrutiny, an artiste checks his costume, ensuring every element aligns with the authenticity of the performance
