Rashtragranth: A Theatrical Journey Through India's Constitution
In a unique artistic endeavor, the Constitution of India, often described as the country's most powerful yet least read book, has been transformed into a captivating Marathi play titled Rashtragranth. This innovative production, created by Mumbai-based startup Artistic Humans, aims to make constitutional principles an experiential reality rather than mere text.
The Vision Behind the Play
The idea originated in 2024 when artist and entrepreneur Darshan Mahajan pondered how to make the Constitution more accessible. "What if the Constitution of India wasn't something you read but something you experienced?" he wondered. This led to the ambitious vision of creating a play that had never been made before—one that would travel across Maharashtra's cities and villages, bringing constitutional awareness to diverse audiences.
Within a year, Rashtragranth emerged as a gripping two-act production that takes audiences on a powerful journey through India's historical and modern relationship with its Constitution. The play features an impressive ensemble of 51 protagonists, representing the diversity of Indian society, and showcases stage designs recreating 15 historic locations, crafted by award-winning set designer Sandesh Bendre.
Production and Creative Team
The play has been brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Artistic Humans, founded by Mahajan to produce plays, curate festivals, and design artistic workshops, and Culturally by ShubhLab, another Mumbai startup focused on sustainable livelihoods and empowerment. This partnership aims to empower the unorganized sector of artistic talent while creating meaningful cultural experiences.
Acclaimed playwrights Prasad Thorve and Abhiram Bhadkamkar have scripted the story, while Kumar Sohoni, a National School of Drama alumnus and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner, directs the production. The original music is composed by Milind Joshi, with costumes designed by Chaitrali Dongre, ensuring a rich sensory experience.
Plot and Themes
Spanning 120 minutes, the play begins with three college students, two of whom struggle with a Constitution assignment. They seek help from their friend Hetal, a Constitution scholar who symbolizes the document's wisdom. Through this narrative frame, Rashtragranth transforms constitutional ideas from written text into a vibrant cultural experience, engaging people of all ages, especially youth.
The play portrays various milestone events and rights issues, including labor laws, women's rights, Dalit rights, Adivasi rights, and child labor. Specific sections address historical cases like the Shah Bano case and land reforms, illustrating how the Constitution has impacted different segments of society. "We are trying to show how, after implementation, the Constitution has impacted various segments of society," explains Mahajan.
Touring and Audience Engagement
Since 2025, Rashtragranth has been touring nine districts of Maharashtra as free pilot performances to gather audience feedback. Notably, Bhimrao Yashwant Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, has attended these shows. The play is set for its public launch in Mumbai this Republic Day, followed by a performance in Pune on February 9, where city actor Mubin Tamboli will portray Ambedkar.
Prathmesh Navalkar, founder of Culturally by ShubhLab, emphasizes the project's sustainable ecosystem for artists and technicians. "We are integrating workshops and art experiences around the Constitution and folk arts forms, enabling assistive tech for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and lowering ticket fees below industry standards," he states.
Recognition and Impact
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has praised the initiative, writing to Mahajan about the play's commendable efforts to bring themes like constitutional rights, social justice, gender equality, and democracy to the stage in a compelling manner. The play's creation by individuals from diverse castes, creeds, regions, tribes, and religions is a point of pride for Mahajan, reflecting India's wide diversity.
As Rashtragranth continues its journey, it stands as a testament to the power of theatre in making foundational documents like the Constitution accessible, engaging, and relevant to contemporary audiences across Maharashtra.
