Recreating the Fanthome saga

SD Sharma

Panchkula, October 19

“Dar-O-deevar pe hasrat se nazar karte hain,
Khush raho ahley vatan ham toh safar karte hain”

The Urdu couplet veritably reflected the cherished desire of all those freedom fighters and martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for freedom, as depicted in a musical play- “1857 Ki Kahani Haryana Ki Zubani”- in the light, sight and sound spectacle form, staged at the Yadvindra gardens in Pinjore on Friday. 

The play presented by the CEVA Drama Repertory in collaboration with the Haryana Tourism was in fact a leaf from the history, conceived and directed thespian GS Channi, while Dr Chander Shekhar, sculpted the play after an arduous research. 

The play was a humble tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs, including the valiant Harynavis from the then regional area now called Haryana, who made supreme sacrifices during the 1857 mutiny as also before and after.

The play chronicled the concern, contribution and cooperation of the Haryanvis, from all walks of life in the mutiny, particularly the soldiers at Ambala Cantt, who initiated the move to dethrone the British rule simultaneously like the great Mangal Pande in Meerut. 

The director relied on the rich Haryanvi folklore musical and dancing traditions under the direction of Ustad Mazid Khan and his accomplished ragini singers and swang artistes. 

Besides light, designing by Gyandev, costumes by Sukhmani Kohli, lyrics by Vinod Bharti and acting spells by around 30 actors, gave a mesmerising performance.  Tourism Minister Ram Bilas Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. He complimented director GS Channi and his team.