Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Mar 24: The first-ever Hindi play on the divine life of “Maa Rupa Bhavani,” staged at Abhinav Theatre here today, rose above the conventions of a typical theatrical presentation. With the main hall and galleries overflowing, the production proved to be a treat for both the mind and the eye.
Written by Dr Agnishekhar, the play offers a contemporary reimagining of the spiritual legacy of the 17th-century saint Rupa Bhavani, while foregrounding Kashmir’s rich socio-cultural heritage as a historic centre of Bharatiya civilisation. Presented by Vomodh and Avanti Foundation, and directed and designed by Rohit Bhat, the production maintained a fine balance between narrative depth and visual appeal.
The narrative unfolds through a blend of narration and enactment, weaving together key episodes from Maa Rupa Bhavani’s life-her early years under the guidance of her father, her transition from an abusive marriage to a life of devotion inspired by Lalleshwari, and her long years of meditation culminating in enlightenment. The play also highlights her encounters with Sufi saints, her message of the oneness of ultimate reality, and her role in challenging social evils and awakening the masses. It further references her intuitive guidance to Kashmiri Pandits to seek the intervention of Guru Tegh Bahadur against Afghan oppression.
Interwoven with dialogues and poetic leelas-still part of everyday prayers in Kashmiri households-the script created an immediate emotional connect with the audience, largely comprising members of the migrant community.
The use of nearly 30 AI-generated visual clips as a dynamic backdrop, depicting snowy mountains, flowing brooks, serene landscapes, and traditional interiors, added a striking visual dimension. Together, these elements formed a vivid chronicle of Kashmir’s tangible and intangible heritage.
The multimedia approach reduced reliance on elaborate sets and instead placed greater emphasis on performance. The cast responded with compelling intensity, effectively portraying Maa Rupa Bhavani’s journey from the mundane to the transcendental.
The cast included J.R. Sagar in roles of Sapru/Rajanak Pandit, Rani Bhan as Saanp Kuj, Suman Pandita as Roopa Bhawani, Jatinder Jotshi as Madhav Ju Dhar/Ali Mardan Khan, Vinay Pandita as Lal Ju Dhar, King C Bharati as Shah Kalandar/ Pt. Kripa Ram Dutt/Varish Vyakti, Anil Chingari as Hiranand/ Sadanand, Rahul Pandita as Nand Ram/Sutradar, Himagini Moza as Sutradar/ Leela Wati, Ishu Bharati Pandit as Purohit. The other actors included Vinod Bushan,, Sushma Kumari, Ajay Waguzari, Shammi Damir, Ramesh Pandita, Tanisha Shashoo, Ranveer Pandita, Akash Katoch and Kandarv Sharma.
The backstage team featured Bharti Kaul (costumes), Pankaj Sharma (lights), Sushma Kumari (properties) and Manoj Damir (make-up). Lyrics by J.K. Koul Bezan and Dr Ramesh Narrash, with music by Ravinder Sharma and vocals by Lovely Chandra, Kuldeep Kalla, Vishal Pandita and Rahul Kumar, enriched the production. Technical support included Osheen Production (video/stills), Lokesh (sound) and Gulfam Barji (publicity). The event was brilliantly hosted by Bindiya Raina Tickoo.
The show was dedicated to the memory of late Dhanesh Dogra. Brij Mohan Sharma, IFS, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, was the chief guest, while Dr Arvind Karwani and Harvinder Kour were among the guests of honour.
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