Based on the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar known to be the ‘King of Delhi’, a Hindi play ‘Dilli Teri Baat Nirali’ was performed at Ravindra Bhavan on Wednesday. The play marked the second day of Bhishm Sahani Smriti Samaroh 2019.
Written by Premchand Kashyap, the play was directed by Mohammad Nazeer Qureshi. It was beautifully performed by Kaarwan Theatre Troupe.
The era of Bahadur Shah Zafar was showcased in the play. During his rule, each and every person lived happily. All the festivals were celebrated with fervor, until mutiny of 1857 took place.
The era was stuck in between the revolution for freedom and victimization of Britishers.
As the rebellion in India had started spreading in 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar II was accepted as the Indian Emperor by the regiments. He was determined to win against the East India Company.
When it became evident that the British would win, Bahadur Shah II took refuge in the outskirts of Delhi at the Humayun tomb.
Company forces led by Major William Hodson surrounded the tomb. Following his involvement in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British exiled him to Rangoon in British-controlled Burma (now in Myanmar), after convicting him on conspiracy charges.
The play was beautifully performed. The entire script of the play was kept intact. The background setting of the stage, the costumes and powerful dialogue delivery won the hearts of the audience. The light design and music made the play watching worthwhile. It was much appreciated by the audience.