Drama Fest: ‘Ek Aur Birbal’ resurrects a role model from leaves of Kashmir history

Lalit Gupta

JAMMU, Dec 18: Ek Aur Birbal, the play in Hindustani performed in ongoing annual drama at Abhinav Theatre, here today, not only highlighted the personality of Pandit Birbal Dhar of Kashmir, his pivotal role in usurping the infamous Afghan rule in the Valley, but also resurrected him as a hero and role model for the displaced community of Kashmir Pandits especially the younger generations born in exile.
Written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat, directed by Rohit Bhat and presented under the banner of Bhartiya Kala Sangam, the plot of the play revolves around Pandit Birbal Dhar, one of the tax collectors. After refusing to levy more taxes on poor Kashmiris, Birbal earns the wrath of Afghan Governor Azim Khan, who levels false charges of embezzlement against him.
Birbal in order to put an end to barbaric foreign rule takes his friends Mirza Kak and Pandit Bassa Ram and family members in confidence about his plan to approach Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh for help. News of Birbal and his son’s escape to Lahore, infuriates Azim Khan. He hunts down Birbal’s friends and sympathizers including Muslims who had given shelter to Birbal’s wife and daughter-in-law.
On recommendation of Raja Gulab Singh, Birbal succeeds in convincing Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh whose armies ultimately liberate Kashmir from Afghan tyranny. Birbal and his family emerge as true heroes who stood against the injustice and did not hesitate to make supreme sacrifices.
Today’s performance with help of impressive acting by entire cast while bringing to fore details of past migrations of Kashmiri community, also successfully presented the character of Birbal as a symbol of Community’s inner tenacity and strength to fight out seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Impressive background narration of historic events and background music, particularly use of score based on ‘dhrupad’ admirable supported the overall production. The authenticity of period costumes while entrenching the historical context also proved to be a great attraction for the audience as one of the markers of community’s identity.
Cast of play included Jatinder Joshi as Azim Khan, Arvin Tickoo as Mirza Kak, Rajni Bhatti as Birbal’s wife, Supriya Pandita as Raj Kak’s wife, Rahul Pandita as Raj Kak, Neeraj Magotra as Mirza’s son, Jatinder Raina as Anwar Khan, Vishal Hanjura as Bassa Ram, Vinay Pandita as Sukhram/Phool Singh and narration by Kamal Razdan.
Music was designed by Kuldeep Raina (Sudeshi), singers- Deepali Watal, Rahul Kumar, Anjali Sahrma, costumes by Manju Tickoo, Shikha Peer, Daizy Bazaz. Assistant directors were Ramesh Singh and Daizy Bazaz, make-up by Shammi Dhamir and sets by Veerji Sumbli.
Tomorrow pooja Kala Sangam will present Yogesh Tripathi’s Keshavleela Ramran-geela under direction of Aditya Bhanu.

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