Hindi satire to whet appetite of theatre buffs

Avid enthusiasts of Indian theatre in the UAE can enjoy renowned Hindi play Adrak Ko Panje at two performances in Dubai this weekend. The satirical comedy written, directed and performed by Jamsheed Khan, has been watched by audiences since 1976.

It is similar to Babban Khan's Adrak Ke Panje, which has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for 10,000 shows - the longest running performance of its kind.

"Both plays were performed simultaneously in India and around the world. There was a lot of demand for Adrak Ke Panje and Babban Khan couldn't be everywhere. So the second troupe was formed,"Jamsheed Khan said.

"Adrak Ko Panje is essentially a social commentary on family planning. I incorporated an additional message about dowry around five years ago. "I have been playing the principal role in the production right from the start and will continue to do so, until the audience tires of us."

Jamsheed, who hasn't performed in any other role or production, said he loved Adrak Ko Panje too much to venture into any other effort.

Speaking about the impact of television and cinema on the tradition of theatre, he said people were continuing to visit the theatre, but less frequently.

"Earlier we used to hold 30 shows at a stretch in a city or town. Now it is about three to four shows, but the keenness is still there," he said.

Adrak Ko Panje will be staged today and tomorrow in the Jumeirah Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, from 9pm. Dinner will be available before and after the two-hour performance. Seventy per cent of the tickets have been sold.

He said: "We have previously performed in several cities in Africa and London. This is the first time we are performing in the Middle East. "I expect a good response from the audience. Anybody who can understand Urdu and Hindi will enjoy the play, it has an universal appeal.

"The satire is enticing but the audience always tells us that the Deccani Urdu appeals the most. It lends itself well to humour." The play has 16 characters, with all of them being performed by artistes from Hyderabad.

Adrak Ko Panje is about Rahim, played by Jamsheed Khan, an unemployed con man, who survives by his wits alone. He manages to feed his family without doing an honest day's work by swindling his creditors with regular frequency.

Signature Events has brought the production to Dubai. It is being presented by Western Union Money Transfer and 89.1Radio 4 FM.

The sponsors of the play are Al Kauther Contracting company Sharjah, Arkays, Soundline Electronics, Shoe Mart, Nirala Sweets, African Eastern and Taj Detergent. The official sponsors are Rolla Residence, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Technical Printing Press, Quick Photo Studio, 3M Al Warqa Group and Five Star Rent-A-Car.