UPDATED

MUMBAI: Bollywood art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai is planning to produce a Marathi film based on the life and times of celebrated 19th Century Marathi theatre personality Narayan Shripad Rajhans better known as Balgandharva.

Best-known for his versatile singing style in Opera’s (Sangeet Natya), Balgandharva was widely accepted for his look as a female character, since women were not allowed to act on stage during his time.

The movie will be directed by Ravi Jadhav, whose last movie Natrang bagged the National Award this year. Film and stage artist Subodh Bhave will enact the lead role of Bal Gandharva.

The screenplay and dialogues are by Abhiram Bhadkamkar and music will be by Kaushal Inamdar, while cinematographer Mahesh Limaye and costume designer Neeta Lulla will be recreating the golden era of Marathi theatre. The movie will see four National award winners namely Nitin Desai, Ravi Jadhav, Nita Lulla and Swanand Kirkire coming together.

Balgandharva will go on floor on 9 November in Pune at the Bal Gandharva theatre and will be produced under the Iconic Chandrakant Productions banner. The film will be ready for release in mid 2011.

Nitin Chandrakant Desai said, “After serving the Indian cinema for 25 years, it gives me immense pleasure to announce my first movie under Iconic Chandrakant Productions. It’s only because of the love, affection and trust in me that I’m able to build the Bal Gandharva era today. With all the best wishes, I promise everyone to provide quality Marathi cinema.”