Play on Ahilyabai shows life journey.
Nagpur: ‘Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar’ was a brave attempt to showcase the life journey of the 18th-century woman warrior crowned the queen and ruler of Malwa kingdom, present-day Indore. The play was held at Scientific Society Hall on Friday, day two of Lekhika Natya Sammelan 2016.
Mala Kekatpure wrote the play, which was directed by theater veteran Sanjay Pendse. The play depicts the childhood of Ahilyabai Holkar, a simple girl who rose to be a just and brave ruler.
The opening scenes aptly showcased her humble beginning, simple nature, and big ambitions. “I want to make everyone happy,” says the wide-eyed little protagonist, making us fall for her peculiarities. Knowing prayers by heart, carrying a ‘shilling with her at most times, and her bubbly dialogues with other characters were a treat to watch. Holkar was married to the royal family of Malwa at an early age.
Incandescent lighting and colorful saris in a golden lining, draped in the way typical Maratha women dressed, added a historical touch to the play. The set used a palace’s digital backdrop, showing royal red carpets and pillars, making the set look royal.
READ ALSO :
- Amazon Great Indian Festival
- Domestic reforms to cushion India from global shocks: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
- Lyf F1 Launched in India: Price, Release Date, Specifications, and More
- This 29-year-old Pakistani blogger is shutting up hate mongers and their war cries online
- Nashik rape case: Internet services resume even as curfew continues
A scene where young Ahilya and her husband Khanderao are seen sword-fighting received applause from the audience when it worked as a transition to show them grown up. Background music chosen for the play evoked interest and intrigue.
A few technical snags resulted in a five-minute break after the first 20 minutes of the play. The director and crew’s effort won the audience’s hearts in the near-packed hall. The playset is an example of depicting a historical play without making the script heavy and boring.
