The Purushottam Karandak is an annual inter-collegiate Marathi one-act play competition where students from across Maharashtra participate while representing their respective colleges.[1] [2] The inter-collegiate one-act play competition is known for giving a platform to amateur actors, some of whom have become professional actors, directors and playwrights.[3] In the 2023 edition of the event, the primary rounds will take place from 16 August to 30 August.[4]
The founding members of Maharashtriya Kalopasak were Purushottam Vaze, Bhagwanrao Pandit, Prabhudas Bhupatkar, Keshavrao Date and Datto Vaman Potdar.[5] The death of the founding member Purushottam Vaze aka Appasaheb in 1962 was a big loss for the theatre fraternity. In his memory Rajabhau Natu, a stalwart of experimental theatre, suggested to organize an inter-collegiate one-act play competition. Thus Purushottam Karandak was started in 1963.[6]
In 2022, the awards were cancelled for the first time in the history of the event due to lack of merit.[7]
Purushottam Karandak takes place at Bharat Natya Mandir located in Sadashiv Peth, Pune every year.
Some of the actors and directors who were the participants of Purushottam Karandak are[8]