Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: It’s a matter of pride for Jammu and Kashmir that the biggest International Theatre Festival of the world-the prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) being organized by National School of Drama, New Delhi, has invited daughter of the soil and prominent cine and theatre personality Bhasha Sumbli’s widely acclaimed opera ‘Vitasta’.
Written by legendary Kashmiri writer Pandit Dina Nath Nadim and translated by Hindi poet Dr Agnishekhar, ‘Vitasta’ showcases the glorious civilizational past of Kashmir through the legend of the River Goddess Vitasta. The credit goes to 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 its famous songs have been sung by Ghulam Hasan Safi, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shameema Dev Azad and others. In Bharat Rang Mahotsav this year, it will be performed by Bhasha Sumbli’s theatre troupe ‘Hima Kaul Kalanidni’, in the epic Meghdoot open air theatre on 14th February in New Delhi.
Speaking about it, in a press conference here in Jammu, Bhasha Sumbli stressed upon her focus on the need to do meaningful theatre, especially in the region of J&K and her motive of showcasing the ancient glory of her motherland through her theatrical presentations. She disclosed that after BRM, Vitasta is scheduled to be showcased in Murnbai, Pune and Bangaluru and Abroad.
Bhasha has trained mostly the local talent of Jammu for this project, which boasts of a cast and crew from across the country including Soham Kashyap, Mohit Mehra, Abhishake Sharma, Rachayita Aggarwal, Sahoul Dutt, Sahil Bazaz, Harshita Khajuria, Akriti Panotra, Anisha Kotwal and Shriya Devi. The Prop design is by senior artist of the state Virji Sumbly, set design by Shyam Sahani, light design by Tamilarasi, choreography and acting input by eminent theatrist Vandana Vashisht, research and associate direction by noted film and theatre actor Sunit Soni while costumes are designed by Maansi Rattan and Chandramohan.
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