Balgandharva visits his gallery in Pune

An exhibition of rare photographs and awards won by Indian theatre legend Narayan Shripad Rajhans, popularly known as Balgandharva, kicked off at Balgandharva Rangmandir art gallery on Friday.

The three-day exhibition, organised by DSK Foundation, gives an interesting insight into Balgandharva's life. The exhibition includes 150 rare photographs of Balgandharva along with various books and articles published on him in various newspapers.
It was inaugurated by well-known art director, Nitin Chandrakant Desai.

One can also find some rare silver citations received by him from great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and various kings along with costumes worn by him in his famous musical plays along with gramophones and other rare artefacts.
Also present on the occasion were granddaughter-in-law of Bal Gandharva, Anuradha Rajhans; Daji Kaka Gadgil, founder of PN Gadgil & Co; singer Suresh Chaphalkar and actress Vibhavari Deshpande.

"Rare belongings of this legend will take us on a journey to an era which was mesmerised by his performances. I also liked the balance sheet which shows his love for gold and perfumes. His lifestyle really inspired me. As I was always into historical and period films, I decided to make a movie on the legend," said Desai.

Desai added, "He used to spend lavishly on his plays and was a great follower of renowned artiste Raja Ravi Verma."