Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, May 15: The performance of Bhand Duhai with the folk tale of Akh-Nandun as its base reference came out with a strong message that the son today is every mother’s son, who is lost and killed in Kashmir.
Translated in Hindi by Dr. Shashi Shekhar Toshakhani and directed by Ravi Kemmu, the play critiques the militancy which has not only shattered the great socio- cultural fabric of the Valley but led to mindless killings of the innocents.
Today’s presentation at the Abhinav Theatre, here, also came as a tribute to drama’s octogenarian playwright Padamshree Moti Lal Kemmu, the living legend of J&K Theatre, who after the exile in 1990s has penned scores of plays, novels, stories that while highlighting the traditional literary and performing art forms of Kashmir also weave critical narratives of contemporary relevance.
The play’s plot opens when Magun, a leader of a Bhand Pather group. He having to come to know about the killing of folk actress Shamima, goes against the dictates of militants and stages a show of folk legend Ek Nandun. Their performance acquires an intimate relevance when Magun’s son and he himself are killed by militants. Rising above personal loss, Magun’s wife vows to keep practicing the ancestral profession.
Notwithstanding the non-functioning air conditioning in Abhinav Theatre which after more than Six Crore rupees renovation still remains a warm and stuffy interior, the credit of today’s engrossing performance should go the entire cast of dedicated actors, dancers, musicians and the backstage technical experts. The lead actors Kusum Tikku as Magun’s wife Bhandrin and Rani and Manoj Bhat as Magun and Sadhu/Gosain, proved truly as pivotal to the performance.
The excellence of Kusum Tikku in rendering myriad shades of emotions, the histrionics of mourning mother, as well as her fluent body movements-were very well appreciated.
Manoj Bhat carried both the roles with aplomb. His pitch coupled with sa kind of magisterial presence brought alive the persona the powerful Yogi/Sadhu as well as the sensitive countenance of Magun and his dedication to his ancestral profession. The Jesters– Shusheel Raina, Rohit Verma, and Varun Sharma, need special mention for exhibiting amazing energy coupled with flawless timing. The thoughtful costume design helped to give context to the characters.
Other actors were Anil Bhat, Vinay Pandita, Shivam Bhat, Rishab Manhas, Ramesh. King’s daughters and dancers-Neha Bhat, Sheetal Raina, Ishu Sharma, Deepshikha Sharma, Dewankshi, Ayushi, and Diksha. Rohitshiv, Ravinder Manhas, Mohit, and Gautam were in the Chorus.
Tomorrow the repeat show of Bhand Duhai will be held at Abhinav Theatre.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
