Mahalakshmi Ladies’ Drama Group is ready with its next play, Bhaja Govindam . The success of ‘Sri Bodendhral’ has given the members the impetus to launch their next project, again a spiritual theme. Bombay Gnanam, troupe leader, is happy to share details.
“The play is about the teachings of Adi Sankara as conveyed by Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal,” says Gnanam. “The slug in fact will be “Adi Sankarar Aruliya, Maha Periyavalin Aasiyudan.’ The episodes in the life of Sri Adi Sankara, including the debates on philosophy, the Dvaita-Advaita definitions, etc., will be highlighted. Of course the saint’s travel will be traced too,” she adds. The theme will be linked to people’s experiences with Paramacharya.
An ambitious project indeed! “Yes. We have put our heart and soul into it. From make-up to lighting and music it will be absolutely professional. The artists are all women, age span of five to 70, but male voices have been dubbed. We did that for Bodendhral and found the results satisfying,” explains Gnanam. Hymns and slokas have been set to music by the troupe’s composer.
“The viewer will get the feel of watching a film,” says Gnanam. But all this would mean a high budget? “Yes,” agrees the veteran. “The recording, sets, lights, etc., are proving prohibitively expensive, the funds coming from our own pockets. It is unavoidable with such productions. The idea is to reach the teachings of Adi Sankara to the public. Unless made visually appealing, the purpose will not be achieved.”
The inevitable question – Why Adi Sankara?
“We had planned Sri Bodendhral and wanted to get the blessings of the Acharyas of the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. But trepidation that the idea might not be received well prevented us from going to Kanchipuram. After mentally making the offering we went ahead with the play. On learning about it through Mutt sources, the Acharyas sent their blessings through a devotee,” Gnanam recapitulates the experience.
Relieved, the troupe met the Mutt heads, who appreciated the women’s efforts. Heaping a handful of kumkum on the cover, Sri Jayendra Saraswati handed over a book and told Gnanam, “Let this be your next subject.”
“The title was hidden by the kumkum and when I gently pushed it to the side I realised it was Adi Sankara. We decided to enact the subject on a grand scale, costs notwithstanding. It is a privilege to showcase the life and teachings of one of the greatest Hindu savants,” sums up Gnanam.
‘Bhaja Govindam’ will be staged on April 2 at the Narada Gana Sabha. Entry is free. Eight shows have already been booked for the month. For more information contact 9444070710 and bombaygnanam.mldg@gmail.com
