"Natsamrat" is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's "King Lear," set in the backdrop of the Indian film industry. The story revolves around the life of Ganpat Rao Devji Tapase, a veteran actor who struggles with old age, family dynamics, and the changing landscape of the film industry. Manjrekar was inspired by the universal themes of Shakespeare's play and saw an opportunity to reinterpret them in a contemporary Indian context.
: First published in 1970, the play is considered a milestone in Marathi literature. It earned Kusumagraj the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award
The title Natsamrat is ironic. It refers to the protagonist, Ganpatrao Belwalkar, a retired stage actor who was once revered as the "King of Actors." The play opens with Ganpatrao reciting famous soliloquies, displaying a mind still sharp and a voice still commanding. However, the reality of his life stands in stark contrast to his theatrical glory.
Nana represents commercial, soulless modernity. He has no respect for art. The play argues that society uses the artist for entertainment and discards him once he is old.
Consider the famous lines from the script: