Mohan Rakesh’s “Ashad Ka Ek Din” continues to draw both theatregoers and creative people alike. It was recently put on board at Bharatendu Natya Utsav-2017 by Circle Theatre.
Written in 1958, Rakesh’s first dramatic work revolves around the romantic tale between poet Kalidas and Mallika. Keeping the storyline intact, Bose gave it a different treatment.
Describing it as a timeless classic tale, director Bapi Bose said: “The play is and will continue to be relevant for us.
Interjecting songs
It allowed me to delve on the concept of love in 21st Century and through it I revisited and readdressed love based not just on this work but also from my personal life experiences too,” revealed Bose. When asked about the autobiographical elements in the play, the director replied, “We all know that any separation creates a certain physical distance but can this distance create a feeling of separation? Can any separation wipe away completely the truth of longing for someone; or write an epitaph of a relationship? I too have gone through these and so can relate to the what the playwright was conveying.”
Just like his other productions, this play too had Bose’s distinct touch. It was amazing the way he used varied versions of the song “Albela Sajan Aiyo Re” in different scenes in the play. Audience heard the version from the film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”, a classical bandish rendered by Ustad Rashid Khan, a Hindi rap version of the number and one in Punjabi pop style by Kailash Kher. “This emphasises that Mohan’s story is not confined to a particular age or era. It transcends time and region.”
Bapi Bose
The play begins and ends with a carnival celebrating love. “Despite Mallika’s painful experience, I wanted to bring to fore importance of love in human life. That is what separates us from rest.” Indeed it was remarkable the way Bose brought the curtain down. Instead of one Mallika there were many holding babies watching the image of Radha and Krishna – icons of love. Instead of pitying themselves they are shown moving on with life. “The babies denote the resolve of women to continue with life.”
The cast including Padamashree CR as Mallika and Nitin Gupta as Kalidas conveyed both pathos and joy well through their performances which were widely applauded.
