Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha: A Century of Marathi Cartooning Brings Maharashtra's Leaders to One Stage

It is not often that a book about cartoons brings Maharashtra's most prominent political figures to a single stage. Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha managed exactly that.

The launch

The book was released at Savarkar Smarak, Dadar, in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Shri Uddhav Thackeray, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Shri Raj Thackeray.

Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, shared news of the launch, noting that he interacted with those present on the occasion. Shri Arun Joshi, editor at Granthali, and Shri Sudesh Hinglaspurkar, trustee of Granthali, were also in attendance.

About the book

Edited by cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni and published by Granthali, Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha introduces the celebrated Marathi cartoonists of the past hundred years, alongside a selection of their work. As Shri Shelar described it, the volume is a unique document of the century-long tradition of Marathi cartooning and its cultural contribution, and a valuable addition to Maharashtra's artistic heritage.

A stage shared in good humour

Reports of the evening described an atmosphere of warmth and wit. Shri Shelar, who opened proceedings, spoke of the importance of leaders setting differences aside in support of art and culture. The remarks that followed, from Shri Raj Thackeray and Hon'ble Chief Minister Fadnavis, were marked by light-hearted banter that drew laughter and applause from the audience, though observers were careful to note that the exchanges were cordial rather than political signals.

Why cartooning deserves this attention

Marathi cartooning has long been one of the sharpest lenses on public life in Maharashtra, capable of capturing in a single frame what editorials take pages to say. That a book honouring this tradition drew the state's leadership across party lines is, in itself, a fitting tribute to the form.

For readers interested in Maharashtra's cultural life, Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha offers both a history lesson and a gallery, and a reminder that humour has always been part of how the state talks to itself.

Frequently asked questions

What is Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha?

A book edited by cartoonist Prashant Kulkarni and published by Granthali that introduces noted Marathi cartoonists of the past hundred years and their selected work.

Who launched Maharashtrachya Hasyaresha?

It was launched in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Shri Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Shri Raj Thackeray, with Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra.

Where was the book launched?

At Savarkar Smarak in Dadar, Mumbai.