A two-day drama fest opened with an Urdu play, Kaum, which highlights Hindu-Muslim unity, at Shaheed Bhwan auditorium on Wednesday.It was based on a short story, which was scripted by city-based noted author Manzoor Ahteshaam. Directed by Mangilal Sharma, the play was presented by Rang Sanchar Theatre Group, Bhopal.
The play revolves around the love story of two characters Farida and Anil. Anil works as librarian in a university and Farida reads in this university. Both are of different religion, but love each other a lot and want to get married. Farida talks to her brother Saleem regarding her marriage with Anil. First of all Saleem makes them understand that don’t do this, it will create a lot of problem in your family as well as their life too. He tries a lot to change their decisions, but even after this, they were hell-bent on their decision. Then, Saleem meets Farida’s parents and makes request for giving permission for their marriage. He also says to them that due to religion only, he couldn’t get married to his lover Kruna. At the end of play, their parents say yes to their marriage.
Director of play, Sharma said, “It’s a first show of play, which sends out message that we should not waste our time on dharmantran or other activities against religion and pay more attention in removing poverty from country. Another play ‘Tasbih’, which is based on a short story of Ahtesham will be broadcasted on DD Urdu Channel soon. And the play, based on this story will be staged on February 19.”
“I wrote of these stories 35 years ago, but that situation is still continuing nowadays. People made it in different colours in the name of religion and politicians are misusing it a lot. I think religion should be used for the society development,” said Padmashri Manzoor Ahtesham, a noted author.Sets, lights and live music were aptly used. A song Hindu-Muslim Ke Aisa Saz Ko Mat Chediye, Apni Kursi Ke liye Zazbat Ko Mat Chediye, Chediye Ek Jang Miljulkar Garibi Ke Khilaf Dost Mere, Mazhabi Nagmat Ko Mat Chediye…, was the major attraction of this play. Poems of Ramnath Singh alias ‘Adab Gondwi’ added much charm to the play.