Ramdas Phutane : Flowing stream of humour !!

Shri Ramdas Phutane is known to many as a poet, producer, director, painter and a brilliant writer with sharp presence of mind. Interacting with Phutane in person is a genuine pleasure and experiencing his spot-on sense of humor, listening to his musical conversations nicely spiced up with his real life examples and I consider myself lucky to have personally known Ramdas Phutane.

Ramdas Phutane hails from Jamkhed, a small town in Nagar district. I am especially happy as this also happens to be my home town, and the foundations for the milestones that he has achieved in his illustrious career, are laid by his brilliant and sharp mind.

Phutane has been writing ‘Vatratika’ since over 25 years and has been actively involved in the promotion of Marathi film and literature. Here is a glimpse of his achievements:

-His film Saamna (1975) has won three National Awards and was also selected in the competition section of the Berlin Film Festival.
-Some other films include Sarvasakshi (1979) and Survanta (1994)
-The book & ‘ekpatri prayog’ भारत कधी कधी माझा देश आहे is very popular in Maharashtra. This book is even selected as part of curriculum of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
-His books Cutpiece (Hindi), Safed Topi Lalbatti, Changbhal, Phodni are tremendously popular.

Phutane shares close friendship with Union Power Minister Shri. Sushilkumar Shinde for the latter’s keen interest in arts and literature.Shinde has been quite supportive of Phutane and helped him surpass couple of hurdles earlier on in his career. The new edition of his book ‘Changbhal’ is going to be released in Pune on 8th May at the hands of Shinde.

Phutane is the President of Jagteek Marathi Academy, Vice President of Mumbai Art Society and Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad. He has worked with many committees and organizations such as Priyadarshani Academy. In 1984, along with Mahesh Kothare, Vijay Kondke, Balasaheb Sarpotdar and other producers, Ramdas Phutane started the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal (All India Marathi Film Federation). This federation allied itself with the Film Federation of India, which is a multi-lingual organization and Marathi films got their rightful status at the International Film Festivals. He was on the board of Film City, officially known as the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation.

Phutane never appears to be in upset mood. While speaking with him he creates such a humour that we feel to be with him for long time. Recently I was with him in Aurangabad for couple of days for ‘Shodh Marathi Manacha’ function. In spite of his busy schedule, as the function was a grand one, he was still enquiring guests about their food & accommodation arrangements and making them feel comfortable. This speaks a lot about his personality as one who cares for others! During this time, I also witnessed another generous aspect of his personality. He called a friend from Jamkhed and arranged for his accommodation in a 5-star hotel. I asked him out of curiosity as to how he manages all this. His reply was very down to earth – Some people like us get a platform to showcase our talent, while some don’t. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have potential. So it is our responsibility to give them what they deserve.

Due to his multi-faceted personality, Nana (Shri. Phutane) has made groups in four categories – Cinema, Literature, Politics and Friends. He says, I never mix these groups with each other, as it can make some people feel bored, and with such separation everyone can enjoy discussions in their own fields.

Today, on his 68th birthday, I take the opportunity to salute his accomplishments in life and wish him great health and happiness.