Pune: Veteran Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe faced an unprecedented challenge during the afternoon performance of the iconic play Purush at the Bal Gandharva Rangmandir on Sunday (December 29).

In the middle of the first act, Ponkshe forgot his lines, a rare moment in his illustrious 40-year career. Despite efforts to recollect, the dialogues eluded him, prompting an early intermission.

After the break, Ponkshe was still unable to continue, and the play’s director, Rajan Tamhane, announced the cancellation of the performance. Overwhelmed, Ponkshe emotionally addressed the audience, apologizing and offering ticket refunds. “This is the first time in my career that such a situation has arisen. Please forgive me,” he said, his voice breaking.

To everyone’s surprise, the audience reacted with support rather than criticism. Many attendees encouraged Ponkshe to focus on his health and accepted the cancellation with grace.

An Inspirational Comeback

Following the cancellation, Ponkshe took time to rest and revisit the script. By evening, he regained confidence and performed the same play at Hadapsar’s Vitthalrao Tupe Natya Gruha. His performance was flawless, delivering every dialogue with precision and emotion.

Ponkshe later explained the incident, attributing it to exhaustion. “The schedule for theatre performances can be grueling — three-and-a-half-hour shows, meeting fans, meals, and then immediate travel to another city. This takes a toll on both the body and mind. My brain was simply too fatigued to function. After proper rest and a healthy meal, I felt better and could deliver the evening performance successfully. I am grateful to the audience for understanding my situation,” he said.

A Lesson for All Performers

“This incident is a wake-up call for all artists to prioritize their health,” Ponkshe remarked. He highlighted the importance of adequate rest and a balanced diet to maintain physical and mental well-being.