Dogri play ‘Chanchlo’ leaves audience spellbound at Abhinav Theatre

Jammu, July 12: The poignant Dogri play “Chanchlo”, an adaptation of Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s iconic Sakubai, captivated audiences at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu.A statement issued here organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), the performance was brought to life under the banner of Rangyug, one of Jammu’s leading theatre groups. Directed by Deepak Kumar, Chanchlo was performed as a solo act by the talented Juhie Mohan, who also translated and adapted the script into Dogri. Her compelling portrayal of the title character received immense appreciation from theatre veterans, directors, and art enthusiasts in attendance, including JKAACL Secretary Harvinder Kour. Blending humour, irony, and powerful emotional depth, the play unfolds as a striking solo narrative. Juhie Mohan’s performance stood out for its emotional intensity and the subtle nuance she brought to the character. Her heartfelt portrayal of Chanchlo—a domestic worker from rural Jammu navigating life in urban households—held the audience in rapt attention throughout the performance. The play highlights the plight and resilience of working-class women, especially migrants from rural regions who serve as domestic help in cities. Through Chanchlo’s story, the play sheds light on the veiled hypocrisies of society, where domestic workers are often claimed to be treated “like family,” yet face discrimination and devaluation. Beyond its storytelling, Chanchlo is a powerful social critique—raising crucial questions on class divides, invisible labour, and the dignity of women’s work in the domestic sphere. The production was supported by a skilled backstage team: costumes by Niharika, make-up by Poonam, set design by Dr. Vijay Puri, props by Aakrit Sharma, music and sound by Shivan Gupta, and lighting by Ashish Sharma. Stage management was deftly handled by Rajkumar Behrupia, Soham Kashyap and Sumeet. The performance marked a significant cultural moment for Dogri theatre, reaffirming the strength of regional storytelling in addressing universal themes.