RMK Arts Foundation stages Heemal Nagiraay at Abhinav Theatre

A scene from Heemal Nagiraay which was staged at Abhinav Theatre Jammu on Saturday.
A scene from Heemal Nagiraay which was staged at Abhinav Theatre Jammu on Saturday.

Artists mesmerize audience with performance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 17: RMK Arts & Research Foundation gave a scintillating performance of ” Heemal Nagiraay” a Musical Dance Drama (Opera) based on famous Kashmiri Folk tale written by most acclaimed writer Bal Krishan Sanyasi at Abhinav Theatre here.
The story behind the classic opera is as per the Kashmiri history references in Neelmatpuran and Rajtrangni.
The Folk Tale is a saga of love and hate wherein a Naga King of snakes kingdom called “Nagirai” falls in love with the princes Heemal who was lonely daughter of King Baldev of Baldevpora Kingdom in Kashmir. The Nagirai would transform himself from snake to human shape as and when he would meet his beloved Heemal who was also in deep love with him without knowing that he was serpent.
The King Baldev father of Heemal came to know it and ordered his courtiers to cut Nagirai into seven pieces and throw into jungle. Heemal pleaded before her father but all in vein and Nagirai was cut into seven pieces. Heemal picked up all seven pieces and pleaded before Lord Mahadev and Mata Parvati to give a lease of new life to the Nagirai for the sake of her true love but was dejected as Lord Shiva said it is not possible to reverse the law of nature but said seven pieces of Nagirai shall be united which happened so. Heemal took the dead Nagirai with tears in her eyes cursing her father. She made pyre and sat on it with Nagirai’s body thus praying to die with her lover in pyre. Suddenly sound of thunder is heard and huge lighting struck the pyre and within no time both are burnt to meet in the heavens.
Arvind Karwani, Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) was chief guest, who while sharing his views to audience said that he was very excited to watch the classic Opera.
Concept & Music was given by Kuldeep Saproo, designed & direction by Vijay Dhar. Choreography by Nishu Pandita and Pooja Raina. Set design by Virji Virender Sumbly. Lights and make up by Raj Kumar Bhat, playback singers: Dr. Deepali Wattal, Late Ramesh Koul, Pinna Kumari, Shirya Gurtu, Simran Gurtu & Chorus.
Anchoring by Amar Chouha, sound by Lokesh, lights control by Pankaj, camera operation by Sanjay Puri sound designed and recorded at RMK Broadcasting Studio Jammu.
Artists performed in opera were Vijay Dhar, Suman Pandita, Pummy Jotshi, Jitender Jotshi, Arvin Tickoo, Vinay Pandita, Daizy Bazaz, Rahul Pandita, Virji Virinder Sumbly.
Dancers: Ravika, Shaista Mir, Mikasha, Shikha Pandita, Simiriti Raina,Kushsali,Preeti Malhotra, Preeti Langhe, Shirya Sharma, Rupali Sharma.