Latest news with #SakalJaaniHeNaath
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
A Bundelkhandi play employs humour to decode complex issues
When Srinivas Beesetty first opened Sakal Jaani He Naath in Bengaluru in 2021, just before the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, the play had an ensemble cast. Over time, though, the Bengaluru-based director has discovered newer layers to the tragic comedy, which is an adaptation of Vasant Deo's Sudama Ke Chawal. The story is a satire on the patriarchy prevalent in today's society and the double standards practiced by men. Instead of the original ensemble cast of six, the play is now performed solo by Bhumika Mane, who essays five different roles on stage, including that of the narrator, Sudama, his wife Savitri, Krishna and the Dwarpal (gatekeeper). The play in Bundelkhandi, Braj and a smattering of Awadhi was recently performed at the Himachal International Film and Art Festival, and will now be staged in the Capital. According to Beesetty, while Sakal Jaani He Naath started as a satire on the double standards of men, the play also hinted at the way women were portrayed in myths and legends as catalysts of war—be it Sita in Ramayana or Draupadi in the Mahabharat. However, there has been little focus on them being victims of patriarchal norms. '[In this story] Savitri prods Sudama to go to Krishna for help. In the original play by Vasant Deo, when Sudama returns to his house and sees it turned into a palace, he questions his wife's chastity," explains the director. The choice of Bundelkhandi and Braj as the medium stemmed from Deo's play itself. 'Bundelkhandi is the preferred language for swaang or saang, a popular form of satire in folk theatre in Haryana. Deo's play was also designed as a swaang, and we incorporated that into our performance," shares Beesetty, who is also the founder of Kahe Vidushak Foundation, a Bengaluru-based theatre group, which has produced various plays with elements of folk theatre. Also read: Planner: 4 events that make this an eclectic week The format of swaang, while conveying humour, also addresses complex social issues, biases and rituals in a relatable manner. 'Bundelkhandi is less formal than Hindi and is used in informal settings. Using it in a script allows for the play to feature a lot of tongue-in-cheek statements," he says. The language was also effectively used in Chandaa Bedni, a play which was recognised at the Mahindra Theatre in Excellence Awards 2025. In popular culture, the National Film Award-winning feature Paan Singh Tomar used Bundelkhandi for authenticity. The play will be performed at Lilanoor Center, Delhi on 17 June at 7 pm. Deepali Dhingra is a Delhi-based culture writer. Also read: 'No Longer a Memory': An artist's recent photo performance series relives his childhood memories
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 17 June 2025
What: Fare Cinema | Domenica Sera & Enrico Piaggio Where: Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, 50-E, Chandragupta Marg (Entry from Nyaya Marg), Chanakyapuri When: June 17 Timing: 6.30pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Sir Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh (Pink Line) What: Sakal Jaani He Naath — A Folk Comedy Where: Lilanoor Center for Voice and Music, 389, Masjid Moth Road, South Extension II When: June 17 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: South Extension (Pink Line) What: Summer Sonata – A Festival of Opera, Ballet & Concert Films | Gulda – Mozart Concertos Where: CD Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre (IIC), 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road When: June 17 Timing: 6.30pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) What: Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta ft Ravi Gupta Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, DLF Phase II, Sector 24, Gurugram When: June 17 Timing: 7pm & 9.30pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro)
