Desi Natak Samaj

Desi Natak Samaj is a prominent theatre company of Gujarat. In later days it was shifted to Mumbai. This Desi Natak Samaj has a glorious contribution to the so-called `old` Gujarati theatre. Partners including respected writer-director-actor Dahyabhai Jhaveri, who became sole owner from 1892, established Desi Natak Samaj in 1889. It was housed in Shanti Bhuvan Theatre. They also built a theatre and improvised hall in Bombay. Its productions Subhadraharan i.e. `Subhadra`s Abduction, Sanyukta, Vikramaditya, and Asrumati were very popular with rich and poor alike. Prosperity led to disputes about ownership. The most visionary owners during the company`s existence of about eight decades were Nakubhai, Hargovinddas, Uttamlaxmi, and Manibhai.

Prabhulal Dwivedi was the star dramatist and the author of Vadilona vanke i.e. `For Forefathers` Faults`, Malavpati Munj i.e. `Munj, Lord of Malva`, Sirajnddola, Ekabala i.e. `Weaker Sex`, and others. Notable directors after the death of Dahyabhai were Mulchand Mama and Kasambhai Nathubhai Mir, while performers included Pransukh `Eddie Polo`, Ashraf Khan, Anandji Kabutar, Chhagan `Romeo`, Miss Shyamabai, Motibai, and distinguished musicians and singers. In later years the Samaj occupied Bhangwadi Theatre in Bombay but now it is demolished.

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