Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and M K Gandhi
– two founding fathers of independent modern India. One would assume that wise
men think alike. However, sometimes two wise people think so differently that
it is hard to imagine that they might have the same goal.
“Ambedkar Aur Gandhi” is a
stage play by Asmita Theatre Group - directed by Arvind Gaur, is about the
different approaches and ideologies followed by these two leaders for upliftment
of harijan class. It is set in pre and post independent era (off-course) when India is about
to get independent and a new constitution is to introduced which would benefit
all. The play is one long debate between these leaders and several monologues
of how they want to solve the problem of casteism and give equal rights to all.
I will not delve into who says what because it is a political debate - which
this whole play is about.
Watching this play was one of
the most intellectually stimulating experiences I have had in my life. We have
heard of movies, TV serials, plays and other shows which people say you should
watch and enjoy ‘by keeping your brains at home’. This is absolutely opposite
of that. Just to understand and comprehend the conversation, one would need
their brains working at full capacity. Someone like me will have to borrow
neighbour’s brain to process all the information, language and deep ideology in
this play. The script is much more than just a literal master piece written in
impeccable language. Playwright Rajesh Kumar did extensive research and the
content is gathered from several of the letters exchanged between Bapu and
Ambedkar. Music by Dr Sangeeta Gaur and poetry by Avataar Singh Paash add much
more depth and richness to the act. You will be lost in the lyrical and musical
harmony and I struggled to grasp the deep meaning of the words.
It is written after extensive
research and showcases the different approaches by Dr Ambedkar and Babu. It
also talks about how Dr Ambedkar was one of the first people from a lower caste
who attained influence through sheer hard work and achievements while battling
discrimination. The one I saw had Bajrang Bali Singh playing Ambedkar and Viren
Basoya playing Gandhi. These two actors have come so close to on-stage
characterization of these leaders that the image would be set in your minds. We
grew up watching Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi movie on Gandhi Jayanti and the image
of Ben Kingsley as Gandhi is imbedded in our minds. After watching this play,
now I have more than one image of Gandhi and Ambedkar in my mind. This is how
close they get to personifying these two personalities from history books.
I will recommend this to
everyone but this is no walk in the park, sit back relax and enjoy the play
production. Your brains would be working overtime while watching it. You will
go back home thinking. While musicals serenade your ears, comedies tickle your
funny bone, debates stimulate our vocal chords this stage rendition of one of
the most important, but lesser known, events of India is a stimulant for brain. So
if you are going to watch this play, ideally it would be great if you could
read about it – debate between Ambedkar and Gandhi or at the very least, put
your thinking caps on. In this era of dumb television and movies sometimes you
have to turn to theater to keep your brain from becoming a vegetable.
Play Details:
Play Name: Ambedkar Aur
Gandhi
Director: Mr. Arvind Gaur
Written by: Mr. Rajesh Kumar
Music: Dr Sangeeta Gaur
Songs and Poetry Written by:
Avataar Singh (Paash)
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