Indian Play ‘Babuji’ staged at Nepal-India Theatre festival (photos)
The event is jointly organized by the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
KATHMANDU – The ongoing Nepal-India Theatre Festival featured the staging of the Indian play Babuji on Tuesday.
The event is jointly organized by the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and the National School of Drama, New Delhi.
Presented in the traditional Nautanki folk opera style, the play captivated audiences, exceeding expectations with its powerful storytelling and theatrical brilliance.
Written by renowned Hindi writer Mithileshwar, Babuji has been adapted for the stage by Vibhashu Vaibhav and directed by Rajesh Singh.
The play follows the life of Babuji, a passionate Nautanki artist, who dreams of establishing his own theatre company while juggling social and familial responsibilities.
However, his unwavering dedication to folk theatre leads to personal turmoil, estranging him from his wife, son, friends, and society—except for Nautanki dancer Sursati, who stands by him.
Ultimately, his love for the art form brings both success and tragedy. In a fateful performance, a dispute over Sursati results in a violent attack on Babuji.
Injured and battling alcoholism, he meets his tragic end with half a bottle of liquor left by his side.
The play masterfully portrays societal perceptions of different individuals and classes, while shedding light on the struggles of rural India.
It vividly highlights the sacrifices and conflicts an artist endures in pursuit of their passion.
The festival concludes today with the staging of Taj Mahal Ka Tender, one of the most widely performed plays worldwide.
-Tenzing Dolma Tamang
