PLAY ‘SURMA DEDICATED TO GANESH PRASAD SINHA

PLAY ‘SURMA DEDICATED TO GANESH PRASAD SINHA

28-SEP-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------A theatrical tribute was organized today at Premchand Rangshala, Rajendra Nagar, Patna, in memory of the late Ganesh Sinha—a senior theatre artist from Bihar and the founding president of 'Kala Jagran'. The event commenced with the screening of a documentary titled "Anhad Swar: Ganesh Sinha," produced and presented by Dr. Kishore Sinha. On this occasion, the play *Surma*—adapted for the stage from the work of Ganesh Sinha—was performed. Conceived and directed by senior Bihar theatre artist Suman Kumar, the play is based on the Urdu short story by Saadat Hasan Manto. The cast delivered powerful performances, featuring Archana Angel, Mahima, Vishnudev Kumar, Dheeraj Kumar, Yugal Kishore Sinha, Muskan Sharma, Suruchi Kumari, Suraj Kumar, and Nagendra Kumar. Off-stage, lead singers Chandan Kumar and Hari Krishna Singh 'Munna' were accompanied by Subodh Raja on the *Nal* and Md. Abrej Alam on the *Shehnai*. Rajiv Kumar handled the lighting, while Arvind Kumar and Saurabh Kumar managed video and sound effects. Makeup was done by Anju Kumari, and set design by Vinay Kumar. Reena Kumari handled costume design, and Rohit Kumar served as the production controller; Akhileshwar Prasad Sinha and Dr. Kishore Sinha provided guidance to ensure the event's success.

Saadat Hasan Manto’s play ‘Surma’ is a poignant tale of a mother’s love, her maternal bond, and the profound grief that engulfs her after losing her child. The play’s protagonist, Fahmi, loves her child deeply. The child's death completely transforms her life; unable to come to terms with the shock, she gradually begins to lose her mental balance. Fahmi remains constantly immersed in memories of her child. Observing her condition, her family considers medical treatment and decides to take her to Agra. However, before the journey can take place, her mental state deteriorates to the point where she becomes almost completely detached from reality. During this time, she begins smearing black *surma* (kohl) and soot—resembling *kajal*—across her face, body, and even the walls of the house, spreading the substance everywhere. This imagery profoundly illustrates the anguish within her and her mental disintegration. Here, the *surma* transcends being a mere object; it becomes a symbol of her motherhood, her memories, and her fracturing mind. Even as preparations and discussions regarding her transfer to Agra are underway, her condition worsens, and she ultimately passes away at her in-laws' home while still in that state. ‘Surma’ is the story of a mother for whom the loss of her child is not merely a tragic event, but the shattering of her very existence. Through this play, Manto portrays motherhood, grief, and mental breakdown with remarkable sensitivity and poignancy.