‘Mahabharat’ play on Ekalavya enters final week at Kantipur Theatre (photos)

KATHMANDU: A stage production titled ‘Mahabharat’, inspired by the story of Ekalavya from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, has entered its final week of performances at Kantipur Theatre in Gairidhara.

The play, based on writer Kuldeep Kunal’s work and translated into Nepali by Prakash Dahal, has been running since Jestha 14.

It is directed by Naveen Bhatt and features prominent performances by Ramesh Budathoki, Manoj Gajurel, Subarna Thapa, Sandeep Shrestha, Pratik Chaudhary, and Supragya Sharma in lead roles.

The ensemble cast also includes Kiran Chapagai, Karan Vishwakarma, Krisha Ghimire, Prashant Mahara, Prerana Giri, Bina Bhandari, Savita Dathepudhe, Rajesh Raj Shahi, Rupesh Bista, and Sumel Karki.

The play centers on Ekalavya, an indigenous boy born in the forest with a dream of mastering archery. Despite his determination, he is denied formal training by Guru Dronacharya due to his non-Kshatriya background.

Undeterred, Ekalavya dedicates himself to self-learning by sculpting a statue of Dronacharya and practicing archery in front of it as his symbolic guru.

As his extraordinary skill begins to rival even Arjuna’s, tensions rise, prompting Dronacharya to reaffirm Arjuna as his supreme disciple. The story reaches a tragic climax when Ekalavya is asked to offer his right thumb as guru dakshina, forever altering his destiny.

The production features set design by Tufan Thapa, lighting by Dipesh Gajurel, music by Anup Timsina, and choreography by Anish Kshetri. Kirin Chapagai serves as co-director.

The play will continue until Asar 7, with shows at 5:15 PM daily except Wednesdays, and special matinee performances at 1:00 PM on Saturdays at Kantipur Theatre.

Photos:

-Saroj Basnet