Natsamrat

Appa, Ganpatrao Belwalkar, rises to fame after winning the top title Natsamrat following a string of Shakespearean roles. He amasses wealth and prestige, yet remains blunt and outspoken about his views. The award marks the start of his larger-than-life status in the theatre world.

Appa decides to leave all his wealth to his children, keeping nothing for himself. He speaks his mind openly, unsettling those who want a quieter life. That generosity reinforces how few people truly understand his blunt, fearless nature.

Appa's granddaughter performs a traditional folk dance taught by him, which Neha finds embarrassing. A heated argument ensues and Neha slaps her daughter in front of visitors. The incident exposes the growing rift between Appa's candid world and his daughter's sensibilities.

To gain space, Neha schemes to part ways by moving out, hoping Appa will calm down. Appa rejects the plan and decides to leave with his wife Kaveri, declaring that the world is a stage and his part is a sad one. They move out, leaving the in-law home behind.

Appa settles at his son Makrand and daughter Vidya's place, still unfiltered in his speech. Rahul, Vidya's husband, is caring and supportive, appreciating Appa's poetry and recitals. Appa's presence continues to spark both affection and awkward moments.

Rambhau lies in a hospital bed after losing his wife Kumud and lashes out at Appa for abandoning him. In a moving exchange, Rambhau and Appa perform a dialogue from the Mahabharata—Karna and Krishna—that moves Appa deeply. He grants Rambhau his last wish, a gesture of friendship and loyalty.

The next day, Kaveri reveals that Rambhau overdosed on sleeping pills. Appa confesses that he supplied the pills to fulfill his friend's last wish. The confession compounds Appa's burden as he contemplates his own loneliness.

On another occasion, Appa mocks Rahul's boss's son for lacking depth in a staged version of Othello. Vidya challenges him, prompting her to arrange an outhouse for the family so they can live apart. Rahul remains supportive, trying to shield his in-laws from the worst of Appa's bluntness.

Vidya misplaces cash given by her husband and accuses her parents of stealing. The accusation creates a rift and tests their trust, though she later realizes her mistake. Appa and Kaveri decide to move out, unable to mend the growing distance.

They move to their ancestral village to an old, dilapidated house, seeking shelter away from modern life. En route, Kaveri falls ill and dies of fever, leaving Appa crushed by loss. A boot polishwala named Raja offers him shelter and companionship during the bleakest days.

Appa survives on the generosity of Raja, the impoverished boot polishwala, and begins to entertain passersby at a tea stall with his poetry and lines from his plays. His talent draws a small crowd who listen spellbound as he performs. The scene marks a fragile return to the stage in a new, humbled form.

Siddharth, a young theatre admirer, follows Appa everywhere and believes he is witnessing the real Natsamrat. Appa hides his true identity, refusing to acknowledge that he is the legend everyone sees. Siddharth remains convinced of Appa's greatness despite the lies.

Appa reads in the papers that his old theatre has burned down and rushes to the ashes. Siddharth arrives and reveals he knew Appa's past all along, rekindling a final claim to fame. In a last, dramatic performance on the burnt stage, Appa speaks and dies after collapsing.