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While entering Jagriti Theatre at Ramagondanahalli, I was a bit puzzled to see a rangoli with some sweets-boxes lying at the entrance. There was some scribbling too adjacent to the rangoli art. Few minutes passed. I read all about how the theatre was established and about the up-coming plays. In the meantime, 3 bells rang and I followed the crowd towards my seat. First Row, center seat. Yeah…people would’ve never guessed it was my visit to a live-thespian-play – Rafta, Rafta.
The first scene basically introduced all the characters, primary and recurring, with an effortless-ease. And why not? It was a reverberation of an Indian wedding. What an introduction! We have an NRI setting – the Malhotras of Manchester and their just-in-laws Khalid bhai and his family. In addition, few close friends – a desi, cute Punjabi couple; Tony and his firangi wife; and the great Omar Sharif. Only the namesake. The wedding ended happily but there was something wrong with Adi, the groom. He has a lot of problems. Problem with his father, problem with his disappointing career, and problem with his loving wife.
Soon, the plot unravels and we’re made accustomed with Adi’s stressful behavior and his egomaniac attitude. The plot thickens, and many other characters come out with their own problems. We have a queer bromanship, father-son quarrels, father-daughter love, and husband-wife issues and a subtle devar-bhabhi intimation. Quite a family, you see. Now, all these ills have just one cure – Adi and Taslima. They have to prove that this love marriage (of which the audience was never convinced) will work out just as fine. But, how? Well, that’s the question even we never get to know the answer of!
Well, to be frank, it’s a play. A stage where thespians rule. Not the story. And as a result, I am ready to admit that it was enchanting, amusing and pragmatic. Hats down to Mr. Biswajit Malhotra (Bisu) whose every line was a marvel, especially the one which goes “He walked as if he was going for “tatti” in the fields”. Hahaha. Also, some intense act came from Khalid, his begum and Taslima, for beautifully portraying a sad but caring housewife. (I even think she was checking me out towards the end, when we’re clapping standing-up. The perks of being a front-row seater, I assume). Also noteworthy performances came from minor characters such as Tony and Sardarji. Overall, the play is a brilliantly performed comic which should be a must-watch for all those who love, hate or miss their families.
P.S. The scribbling near to the rangoli mentioned “Aditya Weds Taslima” which justifies the Rangoli, Sweets-boxes and Bells. Nice, meaningful thought-process, eh?
akritik 