Showers of taareef from "CID" Team stars Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastav on veteran "4-D" veteran actor Aanjjan Srivastav for his 'Kashmakash' IPTA play !! By Sr. Journalist Chaitanya Padukone

Film, TV, OTT and Theatre veteran acclaimed star actor Aanjjan Srivastav synonymous with the common-man telly title character 'Wagle Ki Duniya'  seemed emotionally moved. That's because after the recent show-performance of his Ramesh Talwar-directed popular IPTA play 'Kashmakash' ( dilemma), he noticed a galaxy of celeb actors especially the famous 'CID' Sony TV show Team Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastav sitting 'incognito' in the audience and applauding him and his cast. The cast which also included the seasoned Sulbha Arya and his own multi-talented actress daughter Ranjana who plays 'Rinku' !  As soon as the play was over at Rangsheela Theatre ( Mumbai) , it was heart-warming to note how the eminent actors Shivaji, Aditya, Vinay Pathak, Manish Wadhwa waited patiently 'outside' the theatre-- only to warmly greet and compliment the senior actor ' ! 

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"Hats off to you, Aanjjan for a memorable gripping performance despite your health issues and advancing age," reacted versatile actor Shivaji Satam who plays the iconic CID Sony TV Show ACP Pradyuman . Even versatile actor Aditya ( as CID Show Senior Inspector Abhijeet) heartily complimented Aanjan-da and Sulbha Arya.

"In this current age of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), I strongly believe in 'Artistic Intelligence'. Where you get to directly connect with your live audience and get their instant reactions, " asserted modest "4-D"  veteran actor Aanjjan as he mingled with his ardent fans which included the star actors as well, who had 'bought' their own tickets.Also present at the IPTA Kashmakash play performance were Rangshila Theatre dynamic co-owners Avneesh Mishra and Dushyant Chauhan ( father of star-singer Sunidhi Chauhan) as also international film-maker Manjari Makijany ( daughter of late eminent character actor Mac Mohan) and upcoming model-actress Renuka Tiwari !

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Kashmakash, produced by the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) Mumbai, is a highly acclaimed Hindi play that critiques political corruption and the exploitation of the poor. The 'period' play with backdrop of mid-70s decade is an adaptation of Debasis Majumdar's Bengali work. The inspiring story: follows a hard-working Senior Citizen driven by extreme poverty who is coerced by local politicians to pose as a "fake freedom fighter" to claim a government monthly pension. The narrative explores themes of survival vs. ethical morality, the betrayal of national ideals, and the "kashmakash" (dilemma) of a common man trapped in a web of deceit and monetary allure. It highlights the stark contrast between the noble values of India's freedom struggle and the cynical nature of contemporary politics. The production is noted for its veteran cast and seasoned direction by acclaimed Bollywood director Ramesh Talwar. The lead cast includes  Aanjjan Srivastav, ( as Twisham Pati). Sulabha Arya,( as Nihar Bala)  and 'Mausa' Masood Akhtar ( or Avyar . Production: Sets designed by Shaili Sathyu and soulful background vocal and music by Kuldip Singh. 

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Critics have praised the "mature and supportive" performances, particularly noting that actors like Aanjjan Srivastav and Sulabha Arya perfectly "look the part" and keep the audience invested.The play is noted for not being "preachy" despite its heavy themes. It uses irony and comic relief to balance the protagonist's descent into despair and guilt.It is generally reviewed as a "must-watch" and a dynamic adaptation" that remains engaging through its blend of mystery and social drama-entertainment. In this electrifying adaptation of Debasis Majumdar’s Bengali masterpiece, we meet a protagonist pushed to the edge by bone-crushing poverty. Desperate and out of options, he strikes a deal with a modern devil, forced by local politicians to transform himself into a fake freedom fighter. Then follows a gripping unexpected series of  dramatic twists and turns in the 'Kashmakash' kahaani !

Currently during 2026, work-wise the 75 plus passionate, dedicated versatile senior star actor Aanjjan Srivastav is busy with projects including Pyramid by TVF and Operation Safed Sagar on Netflix . While actress daughter Ranjana is occupied with Musafir Cafe( Netflix), Pyramid by TVF and as main lead in Chaand Tara an upcoming film  by  Q A Baig Foundation and Telangana Tourism.

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