Smita Shewale Plays Tukaram’s Aawali, Who Gave Direction to Her Husband’s Spiritual Journey in ‘Abhang Tukaram’!

Navratri is a celebration of feminine power. While we worship the Goddess in her many forms, we are also reminded of women like #Aawali, who in everyday life embody the essence of divinity. Aawali, who kept Saint Tukaram’s spirituality firmly grounded, truly represents the strength and spirit that Navratri glorifies.

Stories based on saint literature have always touched Marathi audiences. The life of Saint Tukaram Maharaj has been portrayed on stage and screen several times, but one key figure from his life – Aawali – has rarely been depicted in depth. For the first time, her story will be authentically brought to life in the upcoming film Abhang Tukaram. The powerful role of Aawali will be essayed by talented actress Smita Shewale, while the story, screenplay, and direction are helmed by filmmaker Digpal Lanjekar, renowned for bringing historical and cultural narratives vividly to the big screen. Abhang Tukaram is set to release on 7th November. The film is presented by the reputed Panorama Studios and produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, with Muralidhar Chhatwani and Ravindra Auti as co-producers.

If Tukaram Maharaj was a spiritual personality, Aawali was the spiritual force within worldly life. Balancing the burdens of daily struggles, responsibilities, and household duties, she gave direction to her husband’s spiritual journey. Her words, though sometimes sharp, conveyed the truth of reality; her complaints, though at times bitter, stemmed from deep love for her husband and concern for her family. Aawali was not just a wife—she was the strength that rooted Tukaram’s spirituality to the ground of reality.

The recognition of Tukaram’s sainthood and the acceptance of his Abhangs into the Warkari tradition also carry the imprint of Aawali’s sacrifices. While pulling the heavy cart of domestic life with resilience, she also stood by her husband’s devotion, reflecting the mystery and depth of their relationship.

In Abhang Tukaram, Smita Shewale’s portrayal of Aawali is unlike anything audiences have seen before. Through her performance, viewers will witness a strong, resilient, yet tender woman. Her dialogue delivery and body language lend authenticity and a spiritual depth to the character.

After presenting landmark historical films such as Farzand, Fatteshikast, Pawankhind, and Subhedar, director #DigpalLanjekar now turns to the Warkari tradition with Abhang Tukaram, offering a fresh perspective on a long-overlooked female figure. For him, Aawali is not merely the caretaker of the home but a spiritual presence in family life—one who grounded her husband’s devotion in reality while strengthening it.

Abhang Tukaram will be released across Maharashtra on 7th November.

By Keerti Kadam