By Yogesh Maitreya, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: Sambhaji Bhagat, an Ambedkarite activist, balladeer, playwright and lyricist, was felicitated in recognition for his contribution to Dalit/Ambedkarite movement and also in the field of theatre and significantly, his recent achievement in the field of cinema.
The felicitation took place in a fully packed Yashwant Natya Shabhgruh at Matunga in central Mumbai on Thursday, June 11, 2015.
His latest work Marathi movie ‘Court’ – wherein he has contributed music and poetry – has won several national as well as international awards. His next movie ‘Nagrik’ is to be released on Friday, June 12. Bhagat has played a small character role, lent his voice to a song and also written lyrics for the movie.
The felicitation was organised by ‘Sane Guruji Rashtriya Smarak Trust’. Yuvraj Mohite, president of the Trust, playwright Shafaat Khan, actor of ‘Nagrik’ Sachin Khedkar and Surekha Dalvi, an activist, were present on the occasion.
Mohite enumerated Bhagat’s struggle and how “he was forced to enter into the media, cinematic world and the other mediums to present the aesthetics of the people to whom he belonged.”
Khan recalled his memories with Bhagat and said: “Sambhaji’s anxieties and his anger are real. It reflects the quest and struggle for justice.”
Replying to the felicitation, Bhagat spoke about his stand. “People often criticise me. But I do not care. I answer criticism by my work, my creative actions. I remember people by their efforts and contribution.”
Talking about change in artistic strategies, he said: “We need laptop on one shoulder and tambourine on another. I am a fakir, but I dream and follow my dreams. Today, we need to at least create alternative cultural front. I am not a big artist, but I am a good labourer, who knows how to pull the caravan ahead honestly.”
“I am carrying the caravan of Ambedkar and the Buddha honestly by my work.”
His parting shot at the close of the session was: “I am not here to entertain you; I am here to disturb you!”
Photo credit: Daisy Katta