WhatsApp group of Nashik-based artists plays celebrity cricket

NASHIK: ‘Janasthan’, a WhatsApp group of actors, painters, authors, poets and journalists from Nashik region had organized a one of its kind celebrity cricket match event recently. Celebrities, who hail from Nashik and are now based in Mumbai, Pune and abroad, were specially invited in the friendly cricket tournament. More than 144 celebrities participated in the event where 12 matches were played between them.
“The concept was of music director Dhananjay Dhumal, who is actively engaged in bringing together the city-based artists even before the entry of social media and WhatsApp,” said Abhay Ozarkar, admin of the Janasthan group. TV stars Chinmay Udgirkar, Kanchan Pagare and Dhanashri Kshirsagar were the star attractions of the matches while many theatre activists, painters, poets, writers, and musicians were playing in different teams. The cricket matches were attended by thousands of Nashikites. Senior theatre actor Sadanand Joshi, classical vocalist Aviraj Tayde and senior classical singer Pt Subhash Dasakkar were in the commentary box.
“In all, we played 12 matches on Sunday. The final was held between Chitrateerth team (team of painters and fine artists) and Surmani team (team of singers and musicians). The fine artists won the final match by 25 runs,” stated Mohan Upasani, coordinator of the event.
“This was the first experience of a unique get-together and we are happy that Nashikites attended the event in good numbers. Our group is planning more such innovative events to keep the artists connected with their hometown,” Ozarkar said.