Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Jan, 31
Natraj Natya Kunj, Cultural Society Jammu, today performed Dogri adaptation of Mahakavi Basa’s Sanskrit play Urubhangam at Kumbh Mela Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. It is a historical Moment for the State of Jammu and Kashmir that a Dogri play is invited to Kumbh Mela. It’s a matter of great pride for the Dogras, Dogri language and theatre that Dogri play is presented for the first time in such a big event. Kumbh Mela is one of the oldest and largest congregations in the world. The significance of Kumbh Mela has been enhanced at the Global level as the UNESCO has inscribed Kumbh Mela on the list of Intangible Cultural heritage for humanity in 2017. This time Kumbh is being organized in the city of Prayagraj which is located at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and Mystic river of Saraswati in Uttar Pradesh. Translated in Dogri by Kumar A Bharti, designed by Abhishek Bharti and directed by Aditya Bharti, Urubhangam, written in 2nd-3rd century CE, is based on Mahabharata and focuses on story of Duryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima. The play emerges as a different presentation of the story wherein instead of villain Duryodhan is given more human qualities.
Today’s production came out as an almost flawless presentation. Marked by eclectic structure that combined elements of abhinay, well choreographed dance movements, masks, use of traditional Dogri Folk forms like Bhaakh, Karkan, the rich costumes makes the play successful in symbolically creating the grandeur of the epic but also humane aspects of Duryodhana.
The sheer visual quality coupled with controlled delivery of dialogues full of gravity and as well as fluid body movements, the aesthetic groupings and appropriate lighting supported with a well designed live background score by Abhishek Bharti – all combined with talented team of artists who perform with such perfection that the play leaves a lasting impression and make today’s production a visual treat and wholesome entertainment. The audience showed appreciation by a giving standing ovation.
The cast included Akshay Razdan as Duryodhana 1, Amandeep Sharma as Duryodhana 2, Lalit Sharma as Bhim, Mukesh Bakshi as Ashvatthama, Kanav Sahrma as Balram/Dushashan, Tejan Bharti as Lord Krishna/Abhimanyu, Abhishek Sharma as Dhritrashtra, Karan Mehra as Shakuni, Niharika Sakshi as Gandhari, Hema Shivgotra as Durjay, Priya Sharma as Draupadi, Anshika Sharma, Rahul sharma as Chorus. Recording music by Surinder Singh Manhas, Lyrics by Karan Mehra, make up by Shammi Dhamir, costumes by Niharika Sakshi, lights & Sound by Aaditya Bharti, Property by Priya Sharma, Anshika Sharma.
