‘Padma Shri’ for Zadipatti artist Parshuram Khune
   Date :26-Jan-2023

Parshuram Khune 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
Vidarbha region in general and Zadipatti theatre movement in particular got national recognition as veteran artist Parshuram Komaji Khune’s name featured in the list of ‘Padma Shri’ awardees declared on the eve of Republic Day. Khune dedicated the coveted award to connoiseurs of Zadipatti theatre.
Khune is a well-known name in Zadipatti theatre movement. The 70-years-old artist is known as a folk artist using theatre for social causes including rehabilitation in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected area of Gadchiroli. Due to his efforts, a youth. who got lured away to LWE, got engaged in folk art and got rehabilitated. Further, he worked for social causes including alcohol de-addiction, hygiene, and eradicating superstitions.
Khune has played 800 different roles in more than 5,000 drama shows. Some of his widely popular roles include that of Taliram in ‘Sangeet Ekach Pyala’, Shankhnaad in ‘Simhacha Chhaawa’, Awadhoot in ‘Sangeet Lagnachi Bedi’, Ganpa in ‘Lavani Bhulali Abhangala’. Khune is a magician too, and has used the art for eradication of superstitions.
As Sarpanch of Gurnoli Gram Panchayat, Parshuram Khune played a key role in implementing innovative initiatives. Recognising his contribution in agriculture, Maharashtra Government honoured him with ‘Shetinishtha Shetkari Puraskar’. He was President of Zadipatti Kala Niketan for 10 years. In recognition of his contribution to Zadipatti theatre movement, he was elected President of Zadipatti Natya Sammelan.
Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Khune said that he got the information about ‘Padma Shri’ award declared to him from Tehsil Office. He dedicated the award to connoiseurs of Zadipatti theatre.
Khune also expressed his gratitude towards his family members who supported him in his social endeavours.
Asked about him using magic shows for eradication of superstititions, Khune said that while working as Sarpanch of Gurnoli he noticed that superstitions were dominating public mind. So, he started presenting magic shows in festivals and making people aware against superstitions.