‘Komal Gandhar’ — A story of love, revenge

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, July 6

Yet another spellbinding but thought-provoking presentation of Hindi classic drama ‘Komal Gandhar’, a glimpse from the Mahabharata, lit up the fourth day of the Bharatmuni Natyotsav at Tagore Theatre today.

Chief guest Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Haryana, lit the traditional lamp before the accomplished actors of Samvaad Theatre group took the centrestage only to give a magical performance. Written by Dr Shanker Shesh and directed by Mukesh Sharma, the play brought into focus the serious issues like woman empowerment, misuse of power and politics by those at the helm of affairs to satisfy their ego.

Shesh had illustrated his view point through the legend of Kauravas and Pandavas with various episodes of Mahabharata, the mammoth story of love, envy, revenge and power struggle.

The play opened to the young bride princess Gandhari, lost in ecstatic reverie, dreaming about meeting her handsome groom prince Dhritarashtra, but her dreams are shattered after learning about her marriage with a blind king. She felt cheated by her own parents for their better gains and left to sulk. But she determines to convert her angst into a revenge by blindfolding her eyes forever. The play progressed to showcase similar unethical episodes which find their reflection in contemporary life also.

Adequately rehearsed play with admirable acting spells, flawless dialogue delivery and emotional expression won hearts.