1) Prabhat Darshan - Films/music output of a workshop to be held during the summer

Director/Choreographer:

Mrs. Varsha Bhave - she has directed about 15 shows of this program in Mumbai and Pune in India , which have been well acclaimed by critics. She plans to conduct a summer workshop here in London so that this show can be enacted by Marathi children in the UK .

Performers:

Various local children

This is a cultural show based on a famous Marathi film production company/banner called Prabhat Films. Coincidently, this is the 75 th anniversary of Prabhat Film's first movie as well. It shows the rich glory and tradition of their films as a multimedia show consisting of songs, enacted portions of their films, all presented by children between the ages of 3 yrs to 19-20 years.

The presentation of the programme covers well known song, dance and acting sequences from hit films produced under the banner of Prabhat.

2) 'Rangarang Gajara' - (Variety entertainment - music, poetry, mimicry)

This is a variety program called 'Rangarang Gajara' presented by famous celebrity interviewer, writer, journalist, presenter Sudhir Gadgil.

Performers:

Sudhir Gadgil

Tyagraj Khadilkar - famous lyricist

Mrs. Smita Talwalkar - famous Marathi actress and film producer/director

Ashok Naygaonkar - poet

Prof. Deepak Deshpande - mimicry artiste

3) Wahava! (bravo!) - (Poetry recital)

Performers

Mr. Nilesh Patil

Mrs. Nutan Honap

Active members in the Midlands Marathi Mitra Mandal

This program consists of the recital of Sher-o-shayri (couplets, etc. - a form of poetry) written by a very famous Marathi poet V. V. Patankar (Bhausaheb Patankar). Nilesh Patil and Nutan Honap have put together a script based on his work, and will present it on stage at the anniversary celebrations.

4) 'Legacy of the Legends '(Classical/semi classical music)

Main Performers:

Shounak Abhishekhi (Son of Pandit Jitendra Abhishekhi) and Rahul Deshpande (Grandson of Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande)

This programme is conceived, conceptualised and arranged by MML and is rightly titled as "Legacy of the Legends". The performance will be based on the life and works of the older generation as well as their own work - displaying a blend of old originality with new vibrancy in the field of their respective artistic endeavours. This is also the theme of the program - the achievements of elders and the endeavours of the new generation to follow in their footsteps, and make even greater achievements.

Pandit * Vasantrao Deshpande (1923-1983) - a legendary musician who also mesmerised British audience through his enchanting melody in one of his many trips overseas. He was Marathi Hindustani Classical Singer of Patiala Gharana.

Rahul Deshpande is the grandson of Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande. Rahul's repertoire includes renditions from Classical Ragas to Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Natyageet, Bhajan, Gazal and Bhaavgeet. From a young age, he has bagged many outstanding achievements to his name.

Rahul believes that the journey of a true musician is never complete. And during this journey his philosophy is to make his programs a complete musical experience for his audience.

Pandit Jitendra Abhishekhi (1929 - 1998) - A name that still resounds through his fantastic classical singing - was a performer of classical, semi-classical, and devotional music in Maharashtra , India . He was also known for adapting the operatic style of musicals to Marathi theatre. He has also visited UK in the past and has hypnotised the art lovers of those times.

Shounak Abhishekhi is the son of Pandit Jitendra Abhishekhi. Shounak Abhisheki the gifted son and disciple of the Maestro has brought his father's music to life. Not only is his voice a great combination of power and emotion; but his pronunciation too is perfect. The rich experience of these distinct styles molded him to acquire flexibility, which is not very common. Apart from a skilful mastery of the technical aspects, his sensitivity to the lyrics is impressive. He works on the meaning to enhance the emotional aspects of the compositions. Effortlessly at home with classical compositions, he also excels in singing Thumri, Tappa, Natyasangeet, Sanskrit Chants and devotional songs in Hindi as well as Marathi.

*Pandit (literally meaning learned) - is an artist who has achieved the pinnacle of his art through years of practice under an established school of art (gharana) and through a gifted guru. They continue this art by spellbinding audiences all over the globe.