Hindi comedy play ‘Sadhu aur Sundari’ leaves audience in splits

Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, September 14

The Bundelkhand Natya Kala Samiti, a theatre group from Jhansi, staged Hindi comedy play ‘Sadhu aur Sundari’ on the eighth day of the ‘Hasya Natya Mahotsav’, organised by the NZCC, Patiala, at Tagore Theatre, here today.

Written by Raja Mahendra Vikram Burman, the play based on Sanskrit classic ‘Bhagwad Ajjukem’ was directed by Dr Himanshu Dwivedi with the comprehension of the theme of transmigration of soul. He is an alumnus of the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, who learnt finer nuances of theatrical art under the likes of Dr Mahendra, the then chairman of the department.

Supported by Bundeli songs, the play revolved around an ‘ashram’ where a disciple of the spiritual guru joined it so that he may get free food. The story takes a turn when he falls in love with a beautiful girl visiting the ‘ashram’ and later, a woman sadhu, who unfortunately is bitten by a snake. On the request of perturbed lover ‘chela’ and girls friend the guru puts his soul in her body and she starts behaving like a hermit. Her soul is later returned from the heavens as it appears to be a case of mistaken identity and enters the guru body.

The situation depicts confusion and comic elements till the end when ‘Yamdoot’ enters the seen and sets things right. The play with perfect acting spells, dances and songs provided unlimited entertainment to the audience

Play director Himanshu and his disciple artistes expressed gratitude to Dr Saubhgya Vardhan, director, NZCC, Patiala, for inviting them to participate in the ‘Hasya Natya Mahotsav’.