To Mee Navhech
| To Mee Navhech | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Vinayak Chaskar |
| Produced by | Pradeep Dalvi |
| Written by | Acharya Atre |
| Starring | Prabhakar Panshikar |
Release dates | 1962 |
| Country | India |
| Language | Marathi |
To Mee Navhech (Translated as: That's not me, (Marathi: तो मी नव्हेच)) is a classic Marathi Play written by Acharya Atre. Though the protagonist role has been played by many actors since its inception in 1962, the role played by Prabhakar Panshikar is the most memorable. To Mee Navech is probably the first play in the world where the same actor has to do five completely different roles, not to merely add to novelty value or as a stunt, but because the story demands it.[1] To Mee Navhech was also among the first Marathi plays to make use of the Revolving Stage (फिरता रंगमंच) between two scenes.
Background
A conman Lakhoba Lokhande is being prosecuted in the court of law for allegedly duping people, marrying women for money and essentially living multiple lives. He tries to defend his own self by asking uncomfortable questions to each witness during the cross-questioning. The entire play is set in a courtroom scene with a revolving set used for cut scenes and flashbacks.
Storyline
The storyline focuses on a con Lakhoba Lokhande, who claims he is a tobacco merchant from Nipani. The drama starts with a courtroom scene in which Lakhoba Lokhande is sitting in the defendant box. He has been accused by the prosecution of swindling different persons through disguise and fraud. The prosecution lawyer presents many witnesses, most of whom are the victims of Lakhoba's embezzlement (and in some cases torture). The witnesses narrate their experiences with the defendant through flashbacks. Lakhoba runs his own case after firing his lawyer. He cross questions the witnesses and during the process pleads his innocence by saying "To Mee Navhech".
Characters played by Prabhakar Panshikar in the play
| Character | Picture |
|---|---|
| Lakhoba Lokhande: A tobacco merchant from Nipani | |
| Divakar Ganesh Datar: A secret political officer of the Kingdom of Mysore | |
| Dajishastri Datar: Elder brother of Divakar Datar | |
| Captain Ashok Paranjpe: A Navy officer and younger brother of Divakar Datar | |
| Radheshyam Maharaj: A saint |
Tone of Narrative
The general tone of the narrative of "To Mee Navhech" means is rather sarcastic. Playwright Atre wanted the name "Mee To Navhech" but then Director Ranganekar went ahead with "To Mee Navhech" leaving Atre furious. The book is also published by same name. In that book, Atre wrote that Ranganekar did not suggest the name. Atre had already decided the name because the protagonist in the play used it many times "To Mi Navhech".
Remakes
- Naan Avanillai (1974) [Tamil] with Gemini Ganesan
- Woh Main Nahin (1974) [Hindi] with Navin Nischol
- Naan Avanillai (2007) [Tamil] with Jeevan
- Budhivanta (2008) [Kannada] with Upendra