Big b at Marathi lit meet?

Superstar invited to recite poetry; Raj Thackeray also on guest list

It may be three months late in the coming, but when the Marathi literary meet is held later this month, those in attendance are likely to feel it was worth the wait. As if to make up for the delay, the organisers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the event is a grand success.

The who's who from this part of the world have been invited to the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (ABMSS), from Amitabh Bachchan to master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Bachchan has been invited to recite the poems of his legendary father Dr Harivansharai Bachchan. MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has criticised Bachchan during his anti-north Indian campaigns of the past, is also on the guest list.

Bachchan is yet to accept the invitation.

While a raging swine flu epidemic last year caused the delay, the event organisers finally decided to go ahead with the meet on March 26, 27 and 28 at the SP College ground.

Organising committee secretary Sudhir Gadgil, who met Bachchan yesterday in Mumbai to extend the invitation, said, "The superstar spent half-an-hour with us at his residence and the meeting was fruitful. Bachchan said he will reach a decision within the next three days and convey it to the organisers."

Dr Satish Desai, chief organiser and president of Tridal, said, "Bachchan's and Tendulkar's fathers were great poets. Dr Harivanshrai Bachchan and Prof Ramesh Tendulkar were known for their valuable contributions to the field of Hindi and Marathi literature. Both will be called to recite their fathers' poems."

The organisers are also sending invitations to singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale, cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and veteran cartoonist R K Laxman.

The 83rd edition of the literary meet will be presided over by well-known critic Dr Da Bhi Kulkarni.

"The ABMSS will be inaugurated by Dnyanpith winner and veteran poet Vinda Karandikar. Senior Marathi poets like Mangesh Padaonkar and N D Mahanor will present in the inaugural show," said Mahendra Munjal, assistant organiser of the event.