Rangmanch Theatre Group Hosts 2nd Dr. Shalinder Sharma Memorial National Drama Festival

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LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI NOV 26:-The 2nd Dr. Shalinder Sharma Memorial National Drama Festival, organized by the Rangmanch Theatre Group, unfolded on November 23rd and 24th at the Tariq College of Education Auditorium in Dassal, Rajouri. The two-day festival was a celebration of theatre, featuring powerful performances from four distinguished theatre groups across the country.

The festival commenced on November 23rd with a gripping solo performance, Pagal Ki Diary, presented by the Himalayan Cultural Club. Directed by Vishal Pahari and based on a story by Chinese writer Lu Xun, the play explores the psychological breakdown of a man who becomes convinced that his community and his brother are cannibals. The play skillfully delves into themes of paranoia and societal critique, using cannibalism as a metaphor for the oppressive traditionalism of early 20th-century China.

Following this, the Maadhyam Sansthan from Prayagraj performed Actress, a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by youth trying to succeed in the cutthroat world of cinema. The drama resonated deeply with the audience, capturing the personal and professional struggles of aspiring actors.

The second day of the festival brought an exceptional performance by the Rangmanch Theatre Group with Badaai Bhai Sahib, a thought-provoking play by renowned Hindi writer Munshi Premchand. Directed by Vishal Pahari, the play, led by actors Vikrant Verma and Amit Singh, captivated the audience with its emotional depth and strong social commentary.

The Sangam Theatre Group from Jammu then staged Raavi Paar, a moving drama based on the trauma faced by families during the partition of India. Written by poet Gulzar and directed by Akram Khan, the play brought the emotional scars of partition to life, evoking a deep sense of empathy and reflection.

In addition to the stellar performances, the festival featured several vibrant cultural displays. The Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri attended as the chief guest on the first day, with special guests including Iqbal Shawl, Sajjad Tariq, Beena Joshi, and Sidhi Dalal. Beena Joshi was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the arts, while Akram Khan and Dimpel Kumar received the Dr. Shalinder Sharma Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to theatre.

The event also saw an impressive turnout of prominent personalities, including Shikha Bali, Dr. Vidushi, Amandeep Anand, Tajinder Singh, Suresh Bala, and many others who lent their support to the celebration of theatre.

Speaking about the festival, Director Vikrant expressed his unwavering commitment to promoting theatre in the Pir Panjal region. Festival Head Vishal Pahari reiterated his determination to continue his efforts in fostering the local theatre scene, ensuring that such cultural events thrive in the years to come.