Natya Sangeet

Natya Sangeet (Marathi: नाट्यसंगीत) is a form of Indian classical and semi-classical music. The name literally means Dramatic Music and the musical dramas are then called as Sangeet Natak. It is also one of the two popular forms of vocal arts in Maharashtra and surrounding states. The other one is Bhavageet.

Natya Sangeet is said to have originated in the 19th century in a region that is now the state of Maharashtra in India. In past music was monopoly of Princes and other rich class. Common people could not enjoy classical music. Natya Sangeet basically emerged so that the common people could also enjoy classical music as it is based on classical base. The main difference between bhavgeet and natyageet is the former give much importance to words while later gives much importance to Raga.

In 1879, Playwright and producer Trilokekar independently presented his musical play Nal-Damayanti (नल-दमयंती) to Marathi public. It was the first musical play on Marathi stage. Later on Balwant Pandurang Kirloskar (or Annasaheb Kirloskar) staged his first musical play Shakuntal on October 31, 1880 which was based on Kalidas's play Abhijñānaśākuntalam.

Annasaheb Kirloskar wrote shakuntal in 1880, thereby starting a new tradition of sangita natak in Maharashtra. During its early period, Sangeet natak was dominated by religious plays like Sangeet Saubhdra, which is legend in Marathi sangeet natak. The trend changed with coming of sangeet Manapman, which depicts bravery of its hero Dheryadhar and his love with Bhamini which was written by Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar.

During the 1960s, another turn came in natya sangeet with the emergence of Jitendra Abhisheki, who was credited with applying simplicity to the complex composition of Natya Sangeet. The recent play Katyar Kaljat Ghusli by Zee studios opened up a new era of musical cinemas. This movie was based on the legendary play bearing the same name. its music was composed by Jitendra Abhisekhi and sung by Vasantrao Deshpande.

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