COMIC PLAY ‘TIL KA TAAD’ STAGED

COMIC PLAY ‘TIL KA TAAD’ STAGED

29-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------------The cultural organization 'Kala Kunj' (Patna) was established in 1985 with the objective of disseminating messages of public awareness through various cultural activities. For many years since its inception—and without receiving any government grants—the organization has demonstrated its active presence on the Patna theater scene by staging numerous plays using only its own limited resources. The organization has been empanelled by the Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Furthermore, as and when required, the organization endeavors to raise public consciousness by performing *Nukkad Nataks* (street plays) based on various government schemes and social issues—such as iodine and Vitamin A deficiency, female feticide, women's exploitation, the eradication of corruption, and prohibition.

Continuing this tradition, on March 30th, Kala Kunj (Rang Mandal) and Sonapati—courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India—staged the Hindi comedy and satire play *Til Ka Taad*. Written by Dr. Shankar Shesh and directed by Dr. Om Kapoor, the performance took place at the auditorium of the local 'Prayas Rang Adda' on Exhibition Road, Patna.

*Til Ka Taad* serves as an inspirational play for today's new generation. It conveys the message that the youth of today—by failing to embrace our heritage, traditional culture, and civilization—are falling under the blind influence of Western culture. Consequently, they are turning their potentially blissful lives into a living hell and, by adopting concepts such as 'live-in relationships,' are steering their lives in a tragic direction.

The protagonist, Prannath—a member of a middle-class family—leads a bachelor's life while holding a government job. It is an undeniable fact that in urban areas, there is a severe housing shortage, coupled with strict conditions imposed by landlords.

For this reason, unmarried individuals are often refused rental accommodation. To circumvent this problem, Prannath offers shelter for a few days to a helpless and destitute woman, persuading her to pretend to be his wife. ... The helpless woman agrees. ... And thus, the two begin living together. ...It is precisely this tendency to blow things out of proportion that turns a molehill into a mountain.

People often judge one another merely by appearances, failing to grasp the true underlying reasons or the circumstances that compel their actions; instead, they exaggerate trivial matters and indulge in all manner of gossip.

Then, one day, Pran Nath's father—Gaya Prasad—arrives unexpectedly, and the whole truth is revealed.

He advises his son, Pran Nath, to adhere to Indian culture, civilization, and traditional customs. He further asserts that Western civilization has served only to drag our own culture and educational system into the abyss. We must not mimic them. We must keep our own culture alive so that future generations may follow in our footsteps and lead happy, fulfilling lives—both for themselves and for their families. The imitation of foreign ways, foreign culture, and the influence of foreigners have had a detrimental impact on our daily lives; therefore, we should maintain a safe distance from them.

Ultimately, the father, Gaya Prasad, advises his son to marry Manju Devi. Pran Nath's friends—Brahmachari and Patit Pavan—as well as his landlord, Dhannamal, also concur. Consequently, Pran Nath is married to the helpless young woman, Manju.

Thus, the play concludes not merely with a happy ending, but also leaves the audience with a wholesome message, delivered alongside ample doses of humor and entertainment.

Among the cast members—Subhash Chandra (as Pran Nath), Praduman Kumar (as Brahmachari), Yadav Nitesh (as Patit Pavan),

Ram Lakhan Singh (as Gaya Prasad), Payal Pandey (as Manju Devi), Dharamvir (as the Pandit), and Dr. Om Kapoor (as Dhannamal)—each captivated the audience with their powerful and compelling performances. Behind the scenes, the production team included Rajvir Gunjan (Lighting Design), Rajiv Rai (Lighting Execution), Manikant Chaudhary and Pushkar Mishra (Music Composition), and Suman Kumar (Makeup).

Present on this occasion were many of the city's distinguished theater artists, litterateurs, journalists, academics, and other dignitaries.