Bhishm Sahani’s play ‘Rang De Basanti’ staged at closure of theatre festival
Bhishm Sahani’s play ‘Rang De Basanti’ marked the grand closure of Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Mumbai. City’s theatre troupe Karwaan gave a memorable performance before Mumbaikars.
A man’s fight against British rule and his stand for the freedom all alone was play ‘Rang De Basanti’.
Based on the Bhisham Sahni’s play of the same name, the play was directed by Nazir Qureshi. It was presented by the artists of Karwaan Theatre Troupe.
The play begins with showcasing British government is about to implement Rowlett Act. And people of different religions including Hindu, Muslim and Sikh fight against the Act and shout slogan ‘rang de basanti chola,’ under prabhat pheri. Some other movements continue against the Act under the leadership Dr. Kichloo and Satyapal.
The play then showcased the deadly Jallianwalla Bagh massacre. The play also highlighted the story of newly-wed couple Hemraj and Ratto. Hemaraj is also against the Act and dies in Jallianwallah Bagh massacre at the end of play.
Realistic set, costumes, lights and music were used wonderfully which helps to bring Punjabi culture on stage. The play was wonderfully performed at the stage leaving the audience mesmerised.
It is to be noted that Notably, Sahni was a Hindi writer, playwright, and actor, most famous for his novel and television screenplay Tamas Darkness, Ignorance, a powerful and passionate account of the Partition of India. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan for literature in 1998, and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2002.He was the younger brother of the noted Hindi film actor, Balraj Sahni.
