Ek Thi Ladki Urf Ve Kuch Pal: A Tale of Three Generations Unveiled at Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026

As part of the ongoing Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the National School of Drama (NSD) recently hosted a compelling book launch and panel discussion for Ek Thi Ladki Urf Ve Kuch Pal, a new play by veteran journalist and playwright Anil Goyal.

Far more than a mere showcase of performances, BRM continues to serve as a vital intellectual hub where theater practitioners, scholars, and students converge to explore the evolving landscape of dramatic literature.
Memory as a Narrative Tool
Held at the Shruti Manch within the NSD campus, the event was moderated by Prakash Jha, who steered the conversation toward the play’s unique structural and linguistic nuances.

Anil Goyal described the work as a pure love story, spanning a vast temporal arc from 1974 to the present day. By weaving together the experiences of three generations, the play offers a panoramic view of changing emotional sensibilities.
Key highlights of the discussion included:

• Non-Linear Storytelling: The play eschews a traditional chronological plot, moving instead through the fluid corridors of memory and emotion.
• Dual Personification: In a striking directorial choice, the protagonist is represented by two versions on stage simultaneously—the younger self and the elder self—symbolizing the internal dialogue between past and present.
• The Language Debate: Addressing the “Ritikaal” (classical/ornate) influence on his prose, Goyal noted:

“Today’s youth possess a remarkable sensitivity. Even if the language feels ‘old-world,’ their willingness to embrace its depth is a heartening sign for the future of Indian theater.”

Distinguished speakers Prof. Pratap Sehgal and Shri J.P. Singh emphasized that the play prioritizes the “state of mind” over mere plot points. They noted that because the narrative returns to the past as frequently as a flickering memory, it defies conventional scene-and-act structures, lending it a distinct, avant-garde identity.

The panelists praised the work for its delicate portrayal of womanhood, time, and the ephemeral nature of “lost moments.”

The launch of Ek Thi Ladki Urf Ve Kuch Pal underscores the true essence of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav: viewing theater not just as a staged spectacle, but as a living tradition of dialogue and ideas. Anil Goyal’s latest contribution is a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and the complexity of the human heart.