BhaDiPa Announces RADA: Maharashtra’s First Marathi Pop Culture Festival Set For Pune Debut

Celebrating the growing global resonance of Marathi pop culture, BhaDiPa has announced the launch of RADA, touted as Maharashtra’s first-ever Marathi pop culture festival. The two-day event is scheduled for March 28 and 29, 2026, at The Orchid Hotel, bringing together a diverse mix of artists, comedians, and digital creators under one roof.

Positioned at the intersection of internet culture and live entertainment, RADA aims to spotlight the surge of regional content beyond Mumbai, offering a platform where Marathi artists can connect directly with audiences while celebrating their growing national and global impact.

A Line-Up That Reflects Marathi Culture’s New Wave

The inaugural edition will feature a wide-ranging line-up spanning music, comedy, and digital content. Among the headline acts is DJ-producer Kratex (Krunal Ghorpade), known for shaping the M-House sound and the global club success of Tambdi Chambdi.

Content creator and actor Prajakta Koli is also set to take the stage, engaging audiences in conversations around identity and representing Marathi culture on a global platform.

The festival will also bring together key voices from Maharashtra’s hip-hop scene, including duo Shreyas X Vedang, rapper Srushti Tawade, and 100 RBH. Emerging names like YUNG DSA and Mahi G are also part of the line-up, highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing fresh talent alongside established acts.

Music, Poetry and Cultural Expression

Beyond hip-hop, RADA will feature vocal and poetic performances from artists such as Shubhangi Kedar and Pune-based collective Akshar Akshar Tuzech Aahe, who are known for transforming poetry into immersive live experiences.

A specially created theme track titled Raada, conceptualised by Bhagyesh Rajeshirke and composed by Yashraj Mukhate, captures the festival’s high-energy spirit. The track features performers including Sarang Sathaye, Aparna Tandale, and Avinash Narkar.

Veterans and Comedy Talent Take Centre Stage

Adding legacy appeal to the festival is Marathi music icon Avadhoot Gupte, who will headline day two with a set featuring his popular tracks. Folk artist Nagesh Morvekar will also perform, bridging traditional and contemporary sounds.

The comedy segment will feature performers such as Fatima Ayesha, Ganesh Joshi, Siddharth Shetty, and Sahil Sheikh, reflecting the growing popularity of regional stand-up circuits.

Creators, Conversations and Cultural Dialogue

RADA will also bring together prominent Marathi digital creators, including Neel Salekar and Sai Godbole, alongside sessions featuring Nipun Dharmadhikari and Amey Wagh, who will revisit the impact of their popular series Casting Couch.

Podcasters Omkar Jadhav and Shardul Kadam, along with creator Suyog, will lead conversations around evolving Marathi content formats. Financial educator Rachana Ranade is also set to host a session aimed at making financial literacy more accessible to younger audiences.

A Cultural Milestone in the Making

Speaking about the initiative, BhaDiPa co-founder Sarang Sathaye highlighted the need for a platform that celebrates Marathi talent at scale, noting that RADA aims to bring together creators and audiences to acknowledge a defining moment for the culture.

Co-founder Paula McGlynn added that while Marathi artists have been gaining global recognition, there has been a lack of a unified space to celebrate these milestones,something RADA intends to address.

With tickets now live on BookMyShow, RADA positions itself as more than just a festival,it marks a significant step in taking Marathi pop culture from digital virality to a shared, on-ground celebration.