Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 11: Globally acclaimed Dogri play ‘Bawa Jitto’ directed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur enlivened the Aghar Jitto Mela-2017 with the electrifying performance of versatile seasoned actors of Natrang.
Ravinder Kumar, District Development Commissioner Reasi, was the chief guest on the occasion whereas Mohit Raina Tehsildar, Katra, ably coordinated the entire event.
The chief guest appreciated the efforts of Natrang and its director Balwant Thakur in elevating the standards of Aghar Jitto Mela at par with National and International events. The show Bawa Jitto was supported by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra and logistics support was provided by district administration, Reasi. Written by Prof Ram Nath Shastri and innovatively conceptualized, designed and directed by Padmashree Balwant Thakur, this culturally vibrant play magically transported along the thousands of the devotees and the pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to a 15th century old saga of supreme sacrifice of a poor farmer who gave his life in fight of justice and exploitation by the landlords.
Welcoming the guests, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur said that if such events are made a permanent feature, they will not only revive cultural life of the area but will also become the ultimate global cultural destination. This uniqueness of the event attracted a scholar from George Town University USA to come all way to witness this rarest cultural happening of the world. Amidst thunderous applauses she was felicitated on stage by Natrang director Balwant Thakur.
On the occasion Balwant Thakur thanked Governor N N Vohra, who not only inspired and encouraged him but also supported him in his endeavours to preserve the priceless heritage of the surrounding areas of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Hills. He also expressed his heartiest gratitude to the district administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Ravinder Kumar and the local public for supporting Natrang to make all this possible.
The role of Bawa Jitto was played by Natrang’s senior actor Neeraj Kant who was supported by senior actors like Suresh Kumar as Mehta Beer Singh, Dimple Sharma as Sarpanch and Ghaghi, Subash Jamwal as Raja and Malli, Mahikshit Singh as Isso and Mohd Yaseen as Rullo in a highly professional manner. Another noteworthy performance was by young Sanchita Dubey as Bua Gauri, Vrinda Sharma as Jauni and the ultimate hit of the show was the dynamic performance by Renu Sharma as Jojan. Others who gave magnificent performances included Abhi Bargotra, Ankush Lakhnotra, Brijesh Avtaar Sharma, Sachin Saini, Yash Manhas, Rahil Parvez, Moses Marton, Chatter Prakash Dogra, Aadesh Dhar, Akshit Kaul, Dewankshi Sabikhi, Ananya Verma, Deepali Sharma and Gauri Thakur.
Watching prominent traditional singers Girdhari Lal and Harbans Lal was an ethnic cultural treat for all the spectators.
The lights were designed and executed by Suraj Ganjoo, stage management by Aarushi Thakur and sound was professionally audio graphed by Tilak Raj.
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