Gadchiroli Sept. 18 (District Correspondent) Akhil Zadipatti Kalavant Parishad, an organization of the stage artists has demanded early solving of the long pending demands of the artists.
A memorandum was submitted in this regard to the Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar recently.
The artists here are mainly peasants from Vaidharbha area. There have been many changes in the theatre with the passage of time, but the situation of the artists here has not changed yet. The artists are still in the same situation as they were before. Even though the artists are is highly intelligent and skilful, the theatre here is not yet developed. Therefore, it was requested to solve the problems of Zadhipatti Theatre and thereby solve the problems of thousands of artists depending on the theatre.
The main demands included a theatre with a capacity of 2000 seats should be constructed at Wadsa, which is known as the center of Zadipatti dramas. Considering the increasing rate of inflation, the honorarium of the senior artistes should be increased, in case of accidental or sudden death of the artistes during the performance, financial assistance of Rs. five lakhs should be given to their families.
The demands also included insurance cover should be given to the Zadhipatti theatre, entertainment tax on the stage shows should be waived, a separate board be established for the Zadipatti theatre, independent theatre department should be started in Gondwana University, Zadipatti drama conference should be conducted on behalf of the government, free drama training centre should be started for Zadipatti artists, residence should be built in Wadsa for artistes.
The functionaries of Akhil Zadipatti Kalavant Parishad Mukesh Gedam, Rahul Pendharkar, Pankesh Madavi, Vicky Gaikwad, Charudatta Zade, Lalu Pendam, Sangeeta Bhasarkar, Nandini Durge, Sarika Oorade, Tina Oorade, Nayan Gedam and others were present on the occasion.
Mr. Mungantiwar assured the delegation to look into the matter and take appropriate action on these demands. I have respect for the Zadhipatti theatre and will make necessary efforts for solving the problems, he told the delegation.
