Thanks to the efforts of Ashok Gupta, theatre promoter and editor of The Mayur Infomail, neighbourhood fortnightly, theatre lovers of New Delhi’s Mayur Vihar Phase-1 and Mayur Vihar Extension are able to watch theatre shows at Karthyayani auditorium situated in their locality at regular intervals. Over the years, senior theatre practitioners like J.P. Singh and Anjana Rajan have presented their productions in this auditorium evoking a good deal of enthusiasm among the local people for theatre. In continuation of its efforts supported by local organizations such as Arsha Dharma Parishad, Grover Enterprises, Max Studio and Suri Caterers & Decorators, The Infomail in collaboration with Nat Chaupal presented “Babagiri” at Karthyayani auditorium recently.
Directed by Vashisth Upadhyay, former chief of Repertory of Sahitya Kala Parishad, and written by Sanjeev Kant, “Babagiri” is a satire on unscrupulous people who trade in religion, exploiting those who blindly believe in what these selfish and anti-social men preach. It is a satirical comment on a society steeped in ignorance and obscurantism. The prevailing social malaise is treated in a light-hearted manner keeping the audience in good humour from the beginning to the end.
The play opens with three businessmen obsessed with the desire to get rich without any investment. They decide to hire a lumpen to act as a godman under their direction. After audition they select a would be godman and give him training under a godman to be acquainted with the body language and style of preaching and to be taken for granted by the people as a great spiritual saint capable to fulfil their wishes.
With the help of advertisement highlighting the spiritual aura of the ‘godman’ and hired go-between, the ‘project’ of the businessmen becomes a grand success and with it begins intrigues and counter-intrigues to control the network of deception aimed at the plunder of devotees’ money. However, the lumpen wearing the cloak of religion has the last laugh. In fact, we quite often watch this type of satirical attack on fake godmen. Greatest French writer of comedy Moliere’s “Le Tartuffe” continues to captivate the audience.
Another memorable musical comedy of godman is “Thanku Baba Lochandas” which was presented by National School of Drama Repertory Company under the direction of B.M. Shah in 1996. Comic exposure of self-styled godman is popular with audience of Delhi.
Unconvincing characters
Most of the characters drawn by playwright Kant tends to be far-fetched. In comedy, characters close to real life are more effective to evoke laughter. The script needs pruning to make the flow of the action cohesive. Director Upadhyay’s production has loose ends at places which need binding up. However, he manages to explore farce, satire and pun to make the production comically interesting. In the large cast, some performers deserve special mention for impressing the audience with their talent as comic actors. Sanjeev Kant as Shivasu, the fake godman, imparts comic rhythm to the production. His Shivasu turns out to be a better person towards the end while his collaborators remain morally disgusting. Poonam Singh as Sushma finally wins over the heart of the fake godman who once betrayed her, Subham Singh as Kallu, a minor functionary, Rachna Sharma as the devotee and Alka Sehrawat as Shilpa, the seductress, act admirably.
