वीर गोकुला

समीक्षा: अनिल गोयल

18 अगस्त 2025 को देव फौजदार ने दिल्ली के एल.टी.जी. प्रेक्षागृह में भारतीय इतिहास की एक भूली-बिसरी कहानी ‘वीर गोकुला’ प्रस्तुति की।  धर्मान्ध औरंगजेब के अत्याचारों से बृज क्षेत्र के साधारण-जन बहुत परेशान हो जाते हैं।  हिन्दुओं के मन्दिर तोड़े जाते थे, उनकी स्त्रियों को दुर्व्यवहार का शिकार होना पड़ता था।
         शिवाजी के गुरु समर्थ गुरु रामदास उन दिनों मथुरा आए हुए थे।  उनसे प्रेरणा और मार्गदर्शन लेकर वहाँ के तिलपत का एक जाट जमींदार गोकुलसिंह या गोकुलराम या गोकुला आस-पास के गाँव वालों को संगठित करता है, और सन 1669 में औरंगजेब की सेना से लोहा लेता है।  समर्थ गुरु रामदास उन लोगों को गुरिल्ला युद्ध की तकनीकें भी इन्हें सिखाते हैं।
         इसमें एक महत्वपूर्ण बात निर्देशक ने दिखाई कि वहाँ की महिलाओं ने भी गोकुला के इस संघर्ष में बढ़-चढ़ कर हिस्सा लिया था।  पुरुष-स्त्री सभी विशाल मुगल सेना के साथ युद्ध करते हैं।  प्रारम्भ में गोकुला की बीस हजार सिपाहियों की इस सेना को कई छोटी-छोटी सफलताएँ भी मिलीं, लेकिन मुगलों की विशाल सेना से वो भला कब तक लड़ता?
         अन्त में वह औरंगजेब की सेना के द्वारा बन्दी बना लिया जाता है।  वे लोग गोकुला को इस्लाम स्वीकार करने को कहते हैं, जिसे वो अस्वीकार कर देता है।  इस पर मुगल सेना 1 जनवरी 1670 को उसे मौत के घाट उतार देती है।  उसकी पत्नी और अन्य स्त्रियाँ जौहर करने को मजबूर हो जाती हैं।  लेकिन यहाँ का जौहर अग्नि में जल कर नहीं हुआ था, बल्कि यहाँ पर स्त्रियों ने कटार से आत्महत्या की थी!
         यह घटना भरतपुर के जाट राजा सूरजमल से चार पीढ़ी पहले हुई बताई जाती है।  कहा जाता है कि इस छोटी सी घटना ने आगे चल कर भरतपुर राज्य की नींव डालने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई थी।  नाटक के निर्देशक देव फौजदार स्वयं इस बृज क्षेत्र से ही आते हैं, अतः उनकी प्रस्तुति में प्रामाणिकता का होना निश्चित माना जा सकता है; क्योंकि इतिहास केवल वही नहीं होता जिसे विजेता लिखवाते हैं, अपितु ऐसे कठिन काल का इतिहास प्रायः ही लोककथाओं में घुल-मिल जाता है!  और फिर, हमारे इतिहास की तो लाखों पुस्तकें और पाण्डुलिपियाँ जला भी दी गई थीं!  ऐसे में इतिहास की तथाकथित “प्रामाणिकता” का प्रश्न भारत में निरर्थक हो जाता है।
         देव फौजदार बताते हैं कि कुछ ही समय चल पाये इस संघर्ष में ब्राह्मणों, वैश्यों, यादवों, गूजरों, जाटवों, और बाल्मीकि सहित सभी जातियों ने अपना सहयोग दिया था।  माथुर वैश्य समाज ने इन युद्धों के लिये धन उपलब्ध करवाया था… और गोकुला की मृत्यु के बाद इस क्षेत्र में माथुर वैश्यों के तीन सौ गाँवों को जला दिया गया था।  देव बताते हैं कि गोकुला के खजाने की रक्षा का काम चमार या जाटव तथा बाल्मीकि जाति के लोगों ने सम्भाला था, जो परम्परा सूरज मल जी तक भी इसी प्रकार चलती रही!
         नाटक को निर्देशित करने के अतिरिक्त, एक दर्जन के लगभग पुस्तकों से शोध करके इस नाटक को लिखा भी देव फौजदार ने ही है।  एक ऐतिहासिक नाटक में सबसे अधिक महत्वपूर्ण होता है कलाकारों का अपनी ऊर्जा को बनाये रखना।  उस हिसाब से यह एक सफल नाट्य प्रस्तुति रही – सभी कलाकारों ने नाटक के अन्त तक पूरी ऊर्जा के साथ नाटक को खेला।  नाटक की ऊर्जावान गति को बनाये रखने में संगीत ने पूर्ण सहयोग दिया।  देव फौजदार ने अपनी रचनात्मक परिकल्पना से ऐसे दृश्यबन्ध तैयार किये कि दर्शक सम्मोहित हो जाते थे।
         नाटक का संगीत मोहन सागर और प्रसून ने दिया था, और तलवार चलाने का प्रशिक्षण गुरु विश्वजीत ने दिया, जिससे दृश्यों में एक जादुई प्रभाव पैदा हुआ।  लड़ाई के दृश्य फाईट मास्टर रूपेश चौहान ने तैयार किये थे, जबकि सृजनात्मक पक्ष की जिम्मेवारी प्रसिद्ध दृश्यबन्ध निर्माता जयन्त देशमुख ने निभाई।

On 18th August, the historic Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi witnessed a theatrical evening that transcended performance and turned into a soulful experience. “Yugpurush”, written and directed by Jayvardhan (J.P. Singh), offered precisely such a rare journey. Through this play, the director dared to bring to the stage the confluence of the guru–disciple tradition, spirituality, and human inquiry—and this daring vision succeeded on every level.

The performance began with the grand worship of Goddess Kali. The resounding beats of the dhak, the echo of conch shells, and the chanting of priests transformed the stage into a sacred temple. This was not just a religious tableau, but a conscious theatrical choice, transporting the audience to the spiritual ground where the journeys of Vivekananda and Ramakrishna began. Here, the culture of Bengal does not remain a mere backdrop but emerges as an inseparable part of the narrative. Costumes, music, and dance brought the stage alive—red-bordered saris, traditional dhotis, the melodic flow of kirtans, and classical gestures combined to transcend time and space, carrying the audience to nineteenth-century Calcutta.

One of J.P. Singh’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to balance tradition with modern theatrical technique. Stage design and lighting were not confined to creating atmosphere; they actively deepened the play’s philosophical resonance. Whether it was the steps of the Dakshineswar temple or the historic moment of the Chicago Parliament of Religions, projections and scene transitions provided not only dramatic flair but also symbolic depth. Light at times expressed Vivekananda’s inner turbulence, and at other times lingered on the compassionate smile of Ramakrishna.

The soul of the production was carried by its performances. Vipin Kumar, as Ramakrishna Paramhansa, infused the role with simplicity and spiritual radiance, making the presence of divinity palpable on stage. His compassionate gaze and subtle smile did not merely represent the character—they embodied it. Sudheer Rikhari, as Swami Vivekananda, brought to life the disciple’s inquisitive, logical, and energetic spirit. His voice and body language rekindled the memory of that historic moment when Vivekananda introduced Indian philosophy and spirituality to the world in Chicago. Together, their performances created the heartbeat of the play—the tender assurance of the guru alongside the restless questioning of the disciple, ultimately merging into a profound philosophy of life.

The greatest strength of Yugpurush is that it is not a simple dramatic recreation of historical or mythological figures. It is, at its core, a philosophical journey. Vivekananda’s scientific rationality and Ramakrishna’s devotional fervor converge to remind us that even today the true path of life lies in balancing these two poles.

A special note must be made of Jayvardhan (J.P. Singh). As both playwright and director, he proves that theatre for him is not merely an art form but a medium to bring life-philosophy to society. His writing lends depth to the dialogues, while his direction renders them alive both visually and aurally. For him, theatre is not simply “entertainment” but a path to “self-realization”—and this is the play’s greatest achievement.

In the end, “Yugpurush” is not just a stage production; it is a call of the soul. It demonstrates that the union of devotion and reason is the true essence of life. Even after the curtain falls, the experience resonates within the mind for long—and that is the hallmark of truly great theatre.

On June 14 and 16, 2025, the Faculty of Humanities and Liberal Arts at Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, witnessed the powerful staging of two stylistically diverse plays — “Chekhov Ki Duniya” and “Urubhanga”. These productions were presented by the students of the MPA (Drama) and PG Diploma in Natyashastra as part of a national theatre workshop held from May 7 to 16, marking the culmination of their second semester curriculum. Through these performances, the students skillfully bridged classical Indian theatrical traditions with modern experimental aesthetics.

The two productions stood as compelling contrasts. While one portrayed the ironic absurdities of modern Western society through humour, the other breathed life into the deep emotional undercurrents of Indian mythology through poignant tragedy.

“Chekhov Ki Duniya” — A Humorous Reflection of Social Irony

Staged on June 14, “Chekhov Ki Duniya” was based on three comic one-act plays by Russian literary master Anton Chekhov — Cheeenk, The Bank Manager, and Surgery. Under the seasoned direction of Shyam Kumar and co-direction of Shraboni Saha, the play brought forth the complexities hidden in seemingly trivial incidents. From the social awkwardness triggered by a simple sneeze, to the oppressive nature of bureaucratic banking systems, and the cold commercialization of healthcare — each vignette was rendered with biting humour and subtle irony.

The ensemble cast brought these stories to life with remarkable authenticity. Sehej Harjai served as the narrator, with Ankit Chaudhary (Pyare Mohan), Tanshree Rane (Pyare Mohan’s wife), Sainand Valvaikar (General), and Oindrila Goswami (General’s wife) portraying Chekhovian characters with flair. Supporting roles by Santosh Rajput (Bank Manager), Sauptik Bhattacharya (Assistant Manager), Pooja Kewat (Woman), Praveen Namdev (Compounder), Davinder Singh Grover (Patient), and Deepak Bhardwaj (Audience Member) were met with hearty applause from both guests and viewers.

The backstage team worked with admirable precision. Stage management was handled by Davinder Singh Grover and Sehej Harjai. Costumes were designed by Deepak Bhardwaj, Santosh Grover coordinated props, lighting by Praveen Namdev, and musical direction was led by Vansh Rathore.

“Urubhanga” — A Mythological Tragedy That Stirred the Soul

Performed on June 16, “Urubhanga” is a poignant classical tragedy written by the Sanskrit playwright Bhasa. The play explores the psychological turmoil, remorse, and transformation of a wounded Duryodhana on the eighteenth day of the Mahabharata war. Under the direction of Dr. Sheetanshu Tripathi, the production delved into the devastating aftermath of war and internal conflict, deeply moving the audience.

Shubham Srivastava’s sensitive and intense portrayal of Duryodhana left an indelible mark. As the narrator, Pankaj Diwan effectively connected the audience with both the intellectual and emotional threads of the narrative. Supporting roles were performed by Adeeb Ansari, Sanjay Singh Negi (Ashwatthama), Prateek Chauhan (Dhritarashtra), Neeraj (Krishna), Richa Kalra (Gandhari), Shikha (Pauravi), Nisha Kudaikar (Malavi), Shubham Shivalikar (Durjaya), Unnish Pratap Singh (Baladeva), and the younger characters — Rahul Gupta, Prashant Kumar (Harshit), and Kartik Namdev — all delivering memorable performances.

The scenic design and costuming, supervised by Deepak Bhardwaj with active involvement from Kartik Namdev, enriched the stage with symbolic depth and aesthetic elegance.

Both performances were graced by distinguished guests — Chancellor Shri Santosh Choubey, Vice-Chancellor Prof. R. P. Dubey, and Dr. Prasad Bhide from Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal. After witnessing “Chekhov Ki Duniya”, the Chancellor lauded it as a sharp portrayal of social reality and commended both cast and crew. Regarding “Urubhanga”, Dr. Bhide praised its seamless fusion of ancient dramaturgy with modern theatrical techniques. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dubey described both plays as commendable and emphasized the importance of sustaining such creative academic endeavours at the university.

The entire event was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dubey, Dr. Savitri Singh Parihar, and Sh. Abhishek Deshmukh, whose leadership transformed this semester-end production into a rich academic and cultural experience.

“Chekhov Ki Duniya” and “Urubhanga” stand as testaments to the theatrical acumen, emotional insight, and creative potential of the students at Rabindranath Tagore University. These productions point towards a promising future — where tradition meets innovation, theory meets experience, and Indian roots engage meaningfully with global perspectives.

On May 24, 31, and June 1, Delhi’s L.T.G. Auditorium at Mandi House came alive with a rich blend of theatre as Natsamrat, a prominent performing arts group, presented a trio of compelling plays. Each piece offered a distinct flavour—ranging from heartfelt drama to sharp satire and uproarious comedy—beautifully reflecting the artistic breadth and emotional depth of contemporary Indian theatre.

Tender Reflections: Kambakht Ishq

Staged on May 31 at 3:00 PM, Kambakht Ishq, penned by Satyaprakash, offered a poignant look into the emotional needs of the elderly. Through the lives of two aging individuals coping with loneliness, the play delicately unraveled themes of companionship, vulnerability, and the quiet ache of growing old. With subtle dialogue and restrained yet powerful performances, the production struck a deep emotional chord with its audience, rendering it one of the most moving performances of the festival.

Comic Wit and Social Satire: The Proposal

Staged twice—on May 24 at 11:30 AM and again on June 1 at 3:00 PM—Anton Chekhov’s iconic one-act play The Proposal was brought to life with remarkable flair. What begins as a simple marriage proposal spirals hilariously into a heated argument over land and pets. The actors’ crisp comic timing, expressive body language, and fluid stage presence transformed the absurdity into biting social satire. It was a delightful reminder that laughter, when layered with irony, becomes a powerful mirror to societal quirks.

Laughter with a Message: Kallu Nai MBBS

Inspired by Molière’s classic farce and performed on May 24 at 12:30 PM, May 31 and June 1 at 4:15 PM, Kallu Nai MBBS followed the misadventures of a drunk barber who is forcibly made to act as a doctor. Behind the laugh-out-loud moments lay darker undertones of domestic abuse and the systemic marginalization of women. The fast-paced narrative, witty dialogues, and exaggerated characters created a comic spectacle that managed to entertain while prompting deeper thought.

Direction and Technical Excellence

All three plays were skillfully directed by Shyam Kumar, whose vision and theatrical sensibility were evident in the seamless staging. The ensemble cast—Vishwajeet, Munmun, Shivangi, Aman Kumar, Dhananjay, Raman Kumar, Rajan, and Saumya—delivered heartfelt and dynamic performances. Behind the scenes, the production team added immense value: Sunil Rathore and Suraj Singh (stage management), Himanshu and Nisha (assistant stage managers), Payal and Raj Rani (makeup), Rohit Prasad and Rekha Devi (costumes), and Vansh Rathore (music coordination).

Natsamrat’s theatrical offering was more than a cultural event—it was a celebration of theatre’s power to evoke, provoke, and connect. Through humour, emotion, and satire, the festival reminded us that the stage is not just a space for performance, but a living, breathing dialogue with society itself.

A Poetic Finale to a Festival of Stories

New Delhi | April 30, 2025 — The Katharang theatre series at the National School of Drama’s Sammukh Auditorium concluded on a touching and emotionally rich note with the stage adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s classic story “Samapti”. Presented by Mailorang and performed by the Sambhav Theatre Group, the production was directed by the eminent Professor Devendra Raj Ankur, who brought to the stage his trademark sensitivity and refined theatrical sensibility.

“Samapti” (The Completion) is a gentle yet powerful tale of emotional maturity and the freedom to grow into love. At the heart of the story is Mrinmoyee, a free-spirited village girl who is unready for the responsibilities of marriage and dismisses romantic expectations with the careless abandon of youth. When Apurva, a kind-hearted law student from Kolkata, falls in love with her and marries her against his mother’s wishes, Mrinmoyee struggles to accept the union. Apurva, instead of pressuring her, quietly returns to Kolkata. Left alone, Mrinmoyee begins to reflect, mature, and discover the true meaning of love. When she later visits him in Kolkata, their love story finds its quiet, heartfelt completion—not in dramatic reunion, but in the soft, mutual understanding that comes with time and growth.

The performances were deeply evocative and nuanced. Amit Saxena portrayed Apurva with admirable restraint and tenderness, embodying the patience and dignity of a man in love. Gouri Dewal brought youthful vibrance and infectious energy to the role of young Mrinmoyee, while Hema Bisht, portraying her matured counterpart, captured the inner transformation of the character with great poise and depth. Durga Sharma, as Apurva’s conservative mother, delivered a layered performance filled with conviction and emotional tension, while Amitabh Srivastava, as Mrinmoyee’s father, offered a sincere and grounded portrayal of a man caught between tradition and his daughter’s spirited nature. The ensemble of Prakash Jha, Nidhi Mishra, Tripti Jauhari, and Sahej Harjai supported the narrative with subtle and committed performances that helped bring the world of the play vividly to life.

Aesthetically, the play was a visual and auditory delight. The lighting design by Raghav Prakash Mishra added emotional texture to every scene, blending poetic softness with narrative clarity. The carefully curated music by Rajesh Singh, operated live by Unis Yadav, underscored key moments with sensitivity and restraint, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering the dialogue or mood.

“Samapti” proved to be the perfect culmination to Katharang, bringing the series to a meaningful and emotionally satisfying close. Following the performance, a special segment took place on stage in which the writers of the plays featured during the festival—Vijay Pandit (writer of Jogiya Raag), Priyadarshan (Betiyan Mannu Ki), and Umashanker Choudhary (Ayodhya Babu Sanak Gaye Hain)—shared with the audience the inspirations behind their stories. Their reflections revealed not only their literary intentions but also the personal and cultural resonances that shaped their writing.

Adding a warm and personal touch to the evening, artists Nidhi Mishra, Amit Saxena, and Gouri Dewal came forward to share their experiences during the preparation of these productions. They spoke fondly about the collaborative process, the challenges of inhabiting complex characters, and the enriching journey of working under the mentorship of Professor Devendra Raj Ankur. Their heartfelt memories underscored the deep sense of community, artistic discipline, and emotional investment that fueled the spirit of Katharang.

As the curtains fell on this moving performance, it was clear that Katharang had concluded not just with a play, but with a celebration of storytelling, shared experiences, and the quiet power of theatre to transform hearts. “Samapti” lived up to its name—a beautiful completion, both of a love story and of a remarkable festival.

On April 29, 2025, the Sammukh auditorium of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, witnessed a deeply moving theatrical experience as part of the ‘Katharang’ series. The play “Ayodhya Babu Sanak Gaye Hain”, presented by Mailorang (Maithili Lok Rang) and staged by Sambhav Theatre Group, resonated profoundly with the audience. Based on a powerful short story of the same name by noted writer Umashankar Chaudhary, the production explored the contradictions and emotional fragmentation in contemporary society through an impactful dramatic interpretation.

Directed by Professor Devendra Raj Ankur, the play reflected a sharp eye for detail and a deep sense of social sensitivity. He intricately wove the essence of the original story into the dramatic structure, using characters as instruments to deliver a scathing commentary on present-day societal realities.

Amit Saxena delivered a layered and sensitive portrayal of the son. His internal conflict, the clash between duty and emotion, and the discomfort arising from Ayodhya Babu’s supposed madness were brought out with striking realism.

Hema Bisht, as the mother, left an unforgettable impression — especially in the final scene where her silent, broken presence on the deathbed conveyed volumes. Her performance evoked quiet grief and emotional depth.

Amitabh Srivastava brought the complex and multi-dimensional character of Ayodhya Babu alive on stage. His portrayal transcended mere eccentricity, revealing a soul tormented by truth and resistance against social hypocrisy. His ‘madness’ became a metaphor for the courage to speak truth in a world of convenient lies.

The lighting design by Raghav Prakash Mishra played a vital role in enhancing the emotional gravity of the scenes. Particularly in the strained moments between mother and son, the lighting subtly underlined the unspoken pain and tension.

With its naturalistic language, piercing dialogues, and emotionally resonant characters, the play captivated the audience from beginning to end. It was not merely a source of entertainment, but an invitation to introspect.

“Ayodhya Babu Sanak Gaye Hain” compels us to ask: who is truly mad — the one who dares to speak the truth, or the one who comfortably lives with lies? This remarkable production by Maithili Lok Rang and Sambhav Theatre Group stood out as a shining example of theatrical depth, creativity, and social commitment. By the final scene, the audience was not only emotionally moved but left with lingering questions and reflections.

On April 28, 2025, the Sammukh Auditorium of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, transformed into a space of introspection and intensity as part of the Katharang series presented by Mailorang (Maithili Lok Rang). The evening featured two poignant theatrical presentations—“Ek Stree Ke Kaarname” by Suryabala and “Betiyaan Mannu Ki”, based on selected short stories of Mannu Bhandari. Both productions were helmed by acclaimed theatre director Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur, known for his ability to breathe theatrical life into literary works with sharp insight and emotional precision.

“Ek Stree Ke Kaarname” — A Satirical Soliloquy of the Self

The first play, “Ek Stree Ke Kaarname”, dived deep into the psyche of a seemingly balanced and educated woman whose exterior composure masks an inner churning of suppressed emotions, quiet frustrations, and the desperate quest for identity. Suryabala’s acerbic wit and psychological depth were beautifully translated on stage through a tight script and layered performances.
Durga Sharma, portraying the central character, delivered a finely tuned performance—her expressive control and emotional nuance navigating the character’s journey from repression to quiet self-awareness. Amitabh Srivastava lent strength to the performance with his presence, bringing balance and rhythm to the narrative’s unfolding. The interplay of speech, silence, and irony kept the audience deeply engaged, holding a mirror to the everyday contradictions of womanhood.

“Betiyaan Mannu Ki” — Fragments of Feminine Reality

The second presentation, “Betiyaan Mannu Ki”, was an ensemble performance based on several short stories by Mannu Bhandari, one of Hindi literature’s most powerful voices on gender and identity. The play explored multiple dimensions of womanhood across varied roles and stages of life, offering moments of tenderness, conflict, vulnerability, and resistance.
The cast—Amit Saxena, Gauri Deval, Aditi, and Rachita Verma—brought these diverse female experiences to life with empathy and skill. Each transition between characters and narratives was handled with clarity and emotional depth. Whether as daughters, lovers, mothers, or rebels, the female characters emerged with raw honesty, making the stories resonate deeply with the audience.

The production’s lighting, designed by Raghav Prakash Mishra, subtly enhanced each scene’s emotional tone without overpowering the narrative. His use of soft transitions, warm shadows, and isolated highlights helped build the psychological landscapes of both plays. The minimalist set and gentle pacing allowed the performances and text to breathe, focusing the audience’s attention squarely on the characters and their journeys. The music selection, curated by Rajesh Singh, provided an evocative auditory backdrop, enhancing each emotional transition. Sahaj Harjai and Unis Yadav skillfully operated the music during the performances, ensuring smooth and expressive sonic flow that deepened audience immersion.

Katharang’s theatrical evening was a thoughtful confluence of literature and performance—a celebration of women’s stories told with dignity, irony, and emotional truth. Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur once again demonstrated his profound sensitivity as a director, translating literary narratives into stage experiences that speak directly to the conscience. The evening left the audience moved, provoked, and awakened reminding us that theatre, at its best, does more than entertain; it opens conversations and illuminates’ silences.

On 27th April 2025, at the Sammukh Auditorium of the National School of Drama, Delhi, the theatrical evening under the “Katharang” program—organized by Mailorang (Maithili Lok Rang), Delhi—featured Sambhav’s evocative presentation “Unke Hisse Ka Prem evam Gareeb Nawaz”. The performance offered an experience that touched audiences at their very core.

The direction was helmed by senior theatre practitioner Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur, whose theatrical finesse was evident in every scene and every emotion of the presentation.

The first story viewed love from an unusual yet striking perspective—where inanimate objects, rather than humans, become witnesses. Set in an office, the hidden layers of a boss’s romantic entanglements are brought to life through the voices of his desk, chair, diary, mirror, and pen. While the concept sounds extraordinary, it was executed on stage with remarkable ease and believability. These lifeless symbols transformed into living characters before the audience’s eyes, each one addressing the viewers—sometimes with sarcasm, at other times with compassion. The director’s choice to turn objects into “characters” was a daring experiment in theatre, and it proved to be a wholly rewarding one.

The second story depicted a contemporary conflict within society, rendered in a simple yet powerful form. The struggle between Vishwamohan—who returns from America to start a BPO—and Riyaz, who opens a modest “Gareeb Nawaz Chicken Shop” next door, is not merely a business rivalry. It becomes a clash of two worldviews. Beneath its humor and wit, the story makes a poignant commentary: in the blind race for development, how many truths are trampled, and how many “Gareeb Nawaz” figures are pushed to the margins?

On stage, Nidhi Mishra, Gauri Dewal, Rachita Verma, Amitabh Srivastava, Amit Saxena, Harikesh Maurya, Sahaj Harjai, and Prakash Jha brought their characters to life with such intensity and nuance that each scene appeared to unfold right before the audience’s eyes. Their performances added soul to the characters, going beyond mere dialogues. Behind the scenes, too, a dedicated creative team worked tirelessly.

Music selection was curated by Rajesh Singh, and technical operation during the performance managed by Unish Yadav and Sahaj Harjai, whose acoustic execution ensured precise alignment of sound with the emotional tone and rhythm of each scene.

Lighting was sensitively designed by Raghav Prakash Mishra, whose balance of light and shadow added both visual clarity and thematic depth. Every aspect of stage design, management, and visual aesthetics reflected a mature professional sensibility and deep theatrical insight, elevating the performance to a level of artistic completeness.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that this presentation offered more than just two stories—it offered two distinct philosophies of life. One, where love remains forever incomplete; and the other, where in the name of “success,” human relationships and grounded realities are blurred. Prof. Devendra Raj Ankur’s endeavor reaffirmed that theatre does not end at the stage—it becomes an extension of our consciousness.

Sambhav’s performance reminded us that when acting, direction, and thought move in unison, theatre becomes more than performance—it becomes a dialogue that resonates deeply within the viewer, long after the lights have dimmed.

The monthly symposium began with a heartfelt tribute to the innocent civilians martyred in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. All present members observed two minutes of silence, expressing their emotions in an unspeakable way. The entire atmosphere seemed to be immersed in a silent prayer.

On the auspicious occasion of the lighting of the lamp, all distinguished guests performed the lamp lighting ceremony, illuminating the stage.

Following this, a melodious stream of music began. The soulful singing by Mr. Vijay Rawal and Mr. Veer Mani Trivedi touched the hearts of everyone present. Their mastery of voice filled the atmosphere with unseen compassion and hope.

The main attraction of the symposium was the analytical discussion on the theatrical presentation ‘Arey Gadbadi Ho Gayi’, inspired by the Sanskrit play ‘Bhagavadjukkam’ by Bodhayan, directed by Raj Upadhyay, and performed by Navras Group.

In this discussion, the depth of the story, authenticity of the acting, the liveliness of the stage arrangement, and the artistic features of the entire presentation were examined in detail. Critics appreciated the dedication and effort of the Navras Group artists, stating that the presentation not only entertained but also sparked deep contemplation.

The Navras Group artists were deeply moved after hearing such a heartfelt and in-depth review of their performance. They expressed that such analytical discussions inspired them to further deepen their theatrical practice. They also expressed their gratitude to Sanskar Bharti for providing such a valuable platform.

To elevate the dignity of the event, the presence of several distinguished guests was noteworthy. Dr. Prashant Upadhyay, Delhi Province Minister, Senior NSD theater artist Mr. Pradeep Mohanty, Mrs. Shashi Prabha Tiwari, educationist Dr. Ruchika, and Mr. Manish Jha honored the event with their esteemed presence.

The success of the program was greatly aided by the contributions of Delhi Province’s stage art coordinator Mr. Raj Upadhyay, senior theater artist Shyam Kumar, Shraboni Saha, Garima Rani, Vishwadeep, Sneha Mukherjee, Raman Kumar, Saurav Tripathi, Pradeep Pathak, Mrityunjay, Brijesh, Shivam, Sushank, and Sakshi.

The event was skillfully and warmly conducted by Bharti Dag, and Mrs. Shruti Sinha concluded the art-filled evening with a heartfelt vote of thanks.

Delhi’s renowned theatre group “Natsamrat” once again mesmerized audiences with the 22nd Natsamrat Theatre Festival. This grand theatrical event brought together a collection of eight remarkable plays, each offering a unique blend of humor, drama, and thought-provoking narratives. With powerful performances and engaging storytelling, the festival successfully captured the essence of theatre, leaving a lasting impression on spectators.

The festival commenced on March 15 at 6:15 PM with Anton Chekhov’s “The Proposal.” This classic farce, filled with witty dialogue and situational humor, kept the audience engaged. The actors skillfully portrayed the irony of a marriage proposal turning into a heated argument over land and a pet dog. Their impeccable timing and expressive performances made the play a delightful experience. Following this, at 7:30 PM, the satirical play “Kallu Nai MBBS” took the stage. This play blended comedy with social critique, addressing themes of domestic violence and gender dynamics. The protagonist, a drunken barber, finds himself in a bizarre situation where he must endure beatings to prove his worth as a doctor. The fast-paced narrative and lively performances ensured continuous laughter while subtly conveying a deeper message.

On March 16, the audience witnessed “Chekhov Ka Sansar,” a dramatization of two of Chekhov’s iconic stories. The play beautifully combined humor and profound emotions, bringing out the essence of human relationships and social contradictions. The nuanced portrayal of characters and their inner conflicts made it an enriching theatrical experience. Later that evening, at 7:30 PM, “Kambakht Ishq” explored the theme of companionship in old age. The story of two elderly individuals navigating loneliness and seeking emotional support struck a chord with the audience. The actors delivered heartfelt performances, making the play both touching and thought-provoking.

The festival continued on March 22 with “Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein” by Ashish Kotwal. The narrative revolved around an elderly doctor and a lively woman, Mansi, whose contrasting worlds collide unexpectedly. The interplay of their personalities created a compelling and engaging storyline. At 4:15 PM the same day, “Meri Biwi Ki Shaadi” by Ranbir Singh entertained audiences with its hilarious premise. The protagonist, a hypochondriac, believes he is nearing death and becomes obsessed with planning his wife’s future after his demise. His anxious attempts to arrange her remarriage lead to an unexpected twist, making the play both humorous and insightful.

On March 29 at 3:00 PM, the thought-provoking drama “Aadhi Raat Ke Baad” by Dr. Shankar Shesh was staged. The story followed a thief who, instead of stealing, breaks into a judge’s house to confess a crime he witnessed—a powerful businessman’s involvement in a journalist’s murder. Afraid for his life, he seeks imprisonment as his only refuge. The intense dialogues between the thief and the judge exposed the flaws in the judicial system, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The festival concluded with “Kaisa Hai Yeh Paisa” by Shyam Kumar at 4:15 PM. This emotional drama explored the complexities of family relationships and material greed. A devoted father, who spent his life caring for his children, is neglected in his old age. However, when the children discover he is about to receive a large fortune, their attitude takes a drastic turn. The play’s gripping narrative and emotional depth made it a memorable finale to the festival.

The festival’s success was driven by the stellar performances of actors Vishwajeet, Munmun, Shivangi, Aman Kumar, Raman Kumar, Dhananjay, Ansh Rathore, and Rajan K. Bhatheja. Their dynamic portrayals brought depth and realism to each character, making every play a remarkable experience. Behind the scenes, Sunil Rathore and Suraj Singh managed stage operations efficiently, assisted by Himanshu and Nisha. Raj Rani’s makeup artistry enhanced the visual appeal of the characters, while Rohit Prasad and Rekha Devi contributed to costume design. Vansh Rathore handled the musical arrangements, enriching the dramatic atmosphere. Under the expert direction of Shyam Kumar, each play maintained a unique artistic essence. Hosted at LTG Auditorium, Mandi House, the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation, with audiences applauding every performance. The overwhelming response reaffirmed the timeless charm of theatre and the vital role of groups like Natsamrat in preserving and promoting this rich cultural tradition.