Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 17: Daughter of soil, prominent cine and theatre personality, The Kashmir Files fame and Sangeet Natak Akademi Yuva Awardee for theatre direction, Bhasha Sumbli was honoured at International Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) New Delhi. The International Theatre Festival of the world the prestigious BRM, organised by National School of Drama, invited and honoured Bhasha’s widely acclaimed opera ‘Vitasta’ written by legendary Kashmiri writer Pandit Dina Nath Nadim and translated by eminent Hindi poet, Dr. Agnishekhar.
The opera was performed by Bhasha’s theatre troupe Hima Kaul Kalanidhi in the epic Meghdoot open air theatre on February 14 in New Delhi. The heritage Opera Vitasta, showcases the glorious civilizational past of Kashmir through the legend of the river Goddess Vitasta. It goes to the credit of Bhasha Sumbli, that she has revived this legendary opera after more than 50 years which was first staged in early 60s of 20th century by the likes of legends like Padmashree Pran Kishore Koul. Pandit Virender Mohan and Pt. Krishan Langoo have composed the music and it’s famous songs have been sung by Ghulam Hasan Sofi, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shameema Dev Azad and others. The opera was first opened to wide acclaim in the Ministry of Culture’s Vitasta festival in Srinagar, followed by shows at Central Vista, New Delhi and Abhimanch Auditorium in National School of Drama.
The show was also presented in Jammu’s Abhinav Theatre in July last year.
Bhasha Sumbli, the Director of a Vitasta expressed gratitude to the NSD for inviting her and encouraging her efforts aimed at promoting meaningful theatre, especially in J&K.
Bhasha has trained mostly the local talent of Jammu for this project, including: Soham Kashyap, Mohit Mehra, Abhishake Sharma, Rachayita Aggrawal, Sahoul Dutt, Sahil Bazaz, Harshita Khajuria, Akriti Panotra, Anisha Kotwal, Shriya Devi, Rajat Kumar. The Prop design is by senior Artist Virji Sumbly, Set design by Shyam Sahani, light by Tamilarasi, choreography and acting input by eminent Theatrist Vandana Vashisht. Research and associate direction by noted film and theatre actor, Sunil Soni. Costumes were designed by Maansi Rattan and Chandramohan. Music was operated by Ashish Sharma.
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