Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Mar 1: The stage success of Rajeshwar Singh Raju’s Hindi drama ‘Viraam’, marked with gentle humor brought forth the beauty of the genre of comedy drama alive, in the ongoing ‘Festival of Plays’, organized by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, at the Abhinav Theatre, here today.
Establishing Rajeshwar Sigh Raju’s reputation as a promising playwright and a meticulous joke-smith, today’s play designed and directed by Mohammad Akram Khan was presented by Sangam Theatre Group from Reasi.
The play’s plot revolved around a poet Chandra Singh who gets inspiration for his poems from Facebook women admirers and seeks suggestions through a post on social media about whether he should take a break or stop writing permanently. This leads to a parade of characters including admirers of fair sex visiting his home and castigating him for misleading them as their muse. The unfolding comic sequences, topped by an interview with a TV channel, leave the poet greatly harassed. In the end, a vital truth is realized that even a wife, who initially is always an inspiration behind all creative poets, can remain an inspiration for one’s entire life. Thus there is no stopping, or a ‘Viraam’, which is only a myth.
The actors Pawan Verma as Chandra Singh and Rajni Bhatti as the poet’s wife Chandani carried the comedy play with aplomb. They were remarkable in impeccable timing of the dialogue delivery with appropriate voice modulations, hand, and body gestures, and movements. The naturally perspiring Pawan Verma emerged as an epitome of a harassed character.
The other members of the cast such as Rishab Manhas in double roles of a fellow poet and the Videographer, and Deepika Singh as an Admirer and TV anchor, were able to render individuality to the enacted characters. Tarun Charak as Basant and Jiya Barua as Sheetal also gave an impressive display of their acting skills.
The set with Poet’s writing desk tucked in one corner left enough open space for actors movements and the dance sequences on old romantic songs. The lights were designed and operated by Shivam Singh, music by Tarun Charak, make-up by Neha Charak, costumes and properties by Rajni Bhatti, and Deepika Singh, and sets by Chetan Charak, and Simar Singh. Pawan Verma also assisted in direction.
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