BHU's 'Satya Harishchandra' restaged to overwhelming audience response

The musical play 'Satya Harishchandra' was restaged at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to an overwhelming response. The production, a collaboration with California State University, aimed to revive the Indian folk theatre tradition of Nautanki.

The musical play 'Satya Harishchandra' was restaged at the Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Auditorium of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Saturday following an overwhelming response from the audience, with cheers and applause marking the performance.The production was presented by Rangshala, the University Theatre Cell of BHU, in collaboration with the Faculty of Performing Arts, BHU, and California State University, Fresno, USA. It was directed by Prof. Devendra Sharma, Professor of Communications at California State University, Fresno, and a seventh-generation Sangit performer.The programme began with a Pushpanjali offered to Goddess Saraswati, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur and the bust of BHU founder Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Prof. Ranjan Kumar Singh, Dean of Students, BHU, attended the event as the chief guest, while Prof. Sushma Ghildiyal, Dean, Faculty of Arts, was the guest of honour.

Reviving a Rich Theatrical Heritage

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, coordinator of Rangshala theatre group, highlighted the rich tradition of Sangit, Swang and Nautanki, describing them as forms of Indian folk theatre that combine music, poetry, acting, dance and folk language. He said these traditions, which were once an important part of cultural life, have gradually declined with changing times and the emergence of newer forms of entertainment. He added that Rangshala aims to introduce younger generations to this theatrical heritage and encourage them to carry it forward.Prof. Ranjan Kumar Singh spoke about the contemporary relevance of 'Satya Harishchandra' and highlighted the values represented by the legendary character, including integrity, moral courage, sacrifice and commitment to truth in difficult circumstances.Prof. Sushma Ghildiyal emphasised the importance of preserving cultural and theatrical heritage and urged audiences to actively participate in keeping such traditions alive.

A Renewed Approach for a Timeless Story

The production combined music, acting, dialogue, movement and the traditional Sangit style, retaining the distinctive elements of Nautanki while presenting it with a renewed stage approach for contemporary audiences. Through the story of Satya Harishchandra, the play highlighted timeless values of truth, courage, sacrifice and freedom while making an effort to revive the Nautanki tradition and connect it with younger audiences.

Talented Cast and Musicians

The characters were portrayed by a talented ensemble of performers. Tarun Singh Bhadouriya and Priyanshu Shukla played Harishchandra, while Sifaarish and Dhiraj Sen portrayed Vishwamitra. Ritul and Amrapali Sharma played Taravati, while Ritika Singh portrayed both Taravati and Vishnu. Other cast members included Shagun Srivastav, Tanya Singh Chauhan, Rohit Kashyap, Kartikey Yadav, Aditya Upadhyay, Bhaargavipriya T, Pratham Pratap Singh, Hariom Dawar, Kaustav Vekariya, Mehul Aprajita, Navya Chaubey, Ashima Singh, Riya Dubey, Manjari Suryavanshi, P. Keerti Srujana, Palki Priya Gogoi, Sonam Kumari, Dr Shubham Vishnu, Raushan Kumar, Yasaswi Shandilya, Vaibhav Rai, Sristhi Pandey and Akhilesh Rathod.The performance was supported by live musical accompaniment from Jagdish Ji on the nagaara, Kripa Sindhu on harmonium and Gurudayal on dholak. Their contribution added rhythm and emotional depth to the traditional Sangit presentation.Rahul Chaturvedi from the Department of English delivered the vote of thanks.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)