Srinagar, July 31: The inaugural day of the 3-Day Pagah Theatre Festival at Tagore Hall witnessed a powerful and emotionally charged performance of the Hindi play ‘Mar Kar Jeena,’ presented by the Vomedh repertory group. Written and directed by renowned playwright Rakesh Roshan Bhat, the play received a standing ovation from the audience, deeply moved by its poignant portrayal of the emotional struggles faced by families of martyred soldiers.
The Pagah Theatre Festival, now in its third edition, is a regular event organized by Vomedh. The festival, running until August 1, 2024, will feature a variety of plays from different theatre groups.
‘Mar Kar Jeena,’ designed by Rohit Bhat, is a tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces and the lasting impact on their loved ones. The play diverges from conventional narratives of valor, instead exploring the raw, often unspoken emotional turmoil of those left behind. It highlights the superficiality of public sentiment and the profound grief that families endure.
The story centers on two soldiers, Captain Shivam and Major Puneet, who sacrifice their lives during a terrorist attack on an army camp. Their souls linger near a memorial in their honor, caught between worlds. While Major Puneet finds solace in his son’s daily visits, Captain Shivam refuses to leave without his friend. A tragic accident involving Puneet’s son’s friend compels Puneet to say a final goodbye to his son, adding a heart-wrenching twist to the narrative.
The play’s layered structure keeps the audience engrossed, balancing emotional weight with moments of dark humor. Principal Secretary Department Culture Suresh Kumar Gupta, the Chief Guest, praised the play, highlighting its potential to instill nationalism among youth and calling for it to be showcased across India.
Director Rakesh Roshan Bhat’s skilled direction ensures the production transcends entertainment, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. Rohit Bhat, Director of Vomedh, expressed his vision to share the untold stories of martyrs and their families, aiming to foster a stronger bond between the youth and the armed forces.
The stellar cast included Shazi Khan as Major Puneet, Kamakshya Dogra as Captain Shivam, Ishu Bharti Pandit as Veer, King C Bharati as Colonel Arya, Himangini Moza as Shivani, Tushar as Vinod, Bindiya Tickoo as Major Bindiya/Host, Suman as Dr. Riya, Shashank Singh Rajput as Person 1, Nikhil Khajuria as Person 2, Jang Bahadur as Person 3, Irfana Bano as Lady 1, Taiba as Lady 2, and Bharti Kaul as Lady 3.
The production’s success was also due to the dedicated backstage crew, including Bharti Kaul (Costume Design), Sunny Mujjoo (Makeup), Shazi Khan (Music Arrangement), Suman Bhat (Production Manager), and the Property & Backstage team of Irfana Bano, Ridhima Kalsi, and Aarohi Moza. Ravinder Sharma handled the lighting.
‘Mar Kar Jeena’ left the audience at Tagore Hall visibly moved, culminating in a heartfelt standing ovation, a testament to the play’s impact, the cast’s talent, and its poignant message.
