Maharashtra is set to witness a landmark cultural moment with RADA, the state’s first-ever Marathi pop culture festival, bringing together a diverse line-up of artists, comedians, and creators. Presented by BhaDiPa, the two-day festival will take place on March 28 and 29, 2026, at The Orchid Hotel.
Positioned as a celebration of Marathi culture’s growing global footprint, RADA aims to create a platform where regional talent can connect with audiences and showcase their work on a larger stage. The festival reflects the rise of regional content beyond Mumbai, with creators and artists gaining national and international recognition.
The line-up features a mix of music, comedy, content, and conversations. Among the highlights is DJ-producer Kratex, known for pioneering the M-House sound, who will return to perform live. Popular content creator Prajakta Koli will engage audiences in a session about representing Maharashtrian identity on a global stage.
The festival will also bring together emerging and established voices from the Marathi hip-hop scene, including Srushti Tawade and 100 RBH, along with performers like YUNG DSA, Mahi G, and Siddhesh x Tilted Rayz. Musical and poetic performances will feature artists such as Shubhangi Kedar and the collective Akshar Akshar Tuzech Aahe.
A key highlight of RADA is its theme song “Raada,” conceptualised by Bhagyesh Rajeshirke and composed by Yashraj Mukhate, capturing the festival’s energetic and experimental spirit.
Headlining the festival is Marathi music icon Avadhoot Gupte, who will perform his popular tracks, while actor-singer Nagesh Morvekar will bring a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
The comedy segment will feature performers such as Siddharth Shetty, Fatima Ayesha, Ganesh Joshi, and Sahil Sheikh, reflecting the growing popularity of live comedy in regional circuits.
RADA will also spotlight digital creators including Neel Salekar and Yashraj Mukhate, along with emerging voices like Gaurav Malode and Sai Godbole. Conversations and panel discussions will feature names like Sarang Sathaye, Nipun Dharmadhikari, Amey Wagh, and financial educator Rachana Ranade.
Talking about the festival, Sarang Sathaye, Co-Founder, BhaDiPa said, “RADA will prove that the Marathi audience is hungry for something authentic and genuine. Marathi pop culture has been having quite a moment nationally as well as internationally. Be it our music talents and creators representing our culture on global stages, or the nation waking up to the fact that we have so much more to give. I don’t think after Sairat there was ever a moment where we came together and celebrated our win. This stage is exactly doing that. Coming together, celebrating our culture and the ones who are shaping it. It is a great feeling to be a part of a movement that is forging a path for the future of pop culture rooted in our soil.”
Paula McGlynn, Co-founder, BhaDiPa said, “Marathi artists have been breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings with innovative storytelling and shaping how the culture looks and sounds radically. This new era for Marathi culture, especially pop culture is interesting, and we’ve had so many wins when the world danced to tunes that came out of Maharashtra. It sat up and listened to what our creators had to say. But these creators, comedians, and artists never had a stage to celebrate these milestones with their fans. RADA is exactly that democratic space for their fans and them to come together and bask in this new dawn of Marathi pop culture. And to create such an experience at this scale is laudable. As we have been celebrating our past glory, I think the future must be also celebrated with the same vigour.”
