Mocking at vanishing morality, corruption and superstition

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, January 21

A comedy play, “Kisse Parsai Ke”, was staged by the Theatre for Theatre group on the concluding day of the 12th annual edition of the week-long TFT Winter Theatre Festival at Randhawa Auditorium here today.

Based on Hari Shanker Parsai’s three short stories, director Sudesh Sharma employed narrators- Sushma Gandi and Saurav Sharma-to link the events. Presented in a live nautanki format, the play debated myriad aspects of our the public administration system, bringing into focus deteriorating morality, corruption and superstitions prevalent in society.

The playwright illustrated the rampant corruption through the working of an income tax official, attempting to please gods to seek support in the story, “Vaishnav Katha”, while “Tabadla” bared the orthodox attitude of government employee Ram Sewak Mishra, resigning from the service as advised by Lord Hanuman in his dream.

The final story, “Gau Raksha”, depicted a dubious role of Sadhu, engaged in gathering people for a Satyagraha to save the holy cow but the difference of opinion among the crowd leads to riots and Sadhu goes too low to rape a riot victim. Harwinder Singh, Jaspal Barnala Priya Sharma, Gurpreet Minka, Sushma, Saurav, Jakiee and Prince Sharma acted to perfection with their perfect timing and humour.

Basking in Bollywood melody

As many as 50 woman singers from the tricity doled out over 70 old Bollywood songs in a   tribute  to the music maestros and singers, who nourished the music industry way back from 1930 to 2016, at Tagore Theatre.  The musical bonanza  was presented under the aegis of the Ankit Dhariwal Memorial Trust.  They enthralled all through the songs such as “Mein Ban Chidiya Ban Ke..” ( 1930), “Laila Mein Laila’ (2016). On the public demand, the guest of honour, Rajbir Deswal, ADGP Haryana, gave a scintillating performance by singing songs like “Raat Akeli Hai..” and  “Lag Ja Galey..”.