Tumhari Amrita

Aren't I the lucky one? I am soaking in culture and entertaining myself thoroughly this week. In fact, yesterday thanks to a small hitch at home with dad's health, I thought I'm going to miss this play, but fortunately, the problem got resolved and we could go to see 'Tumhar Amrita' at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium. (I had been missing this play for a long time now, but finally caught it now). Packed to the ceiling the expectant audience was not disappointed. Veterans Shabana Azmi and Farouque Sheikh effortlessly played the characters of Amrita Nigam - a rebel without a pause, and Zulfi Syed - a scion of a political dynasty and apple-of -his-father's-eye to perfection. This was a play with a difference, it was a reading of letters by both which unfolded their 35year old relationship, and as all relationships are wont to be - with its ups, downs, passions and reservations. Set from preindependence era till the Emergency, this exchange of letters gives us an insight into the times, the loves and peeves of youth, the uncertain resignation of the middle aged, the hemming and hawing against societal expectations yet accepting them albeit grudgingly. This insight is so beautifully brought by the sheer voice inflections and modulations of these brilliant actors that 90min. seemed to just flash by. Not a soul left the theatre and the 10min. break given for the artistes to take a breath, I presume, seemed inappropriate as it breaks the rhythm and the flow of the play. It was an enriching experience. For a theatre buff lke me and a convert to theatre like Ranga, it was manna from heaven! Thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to all who love theatre and understand and enjoy good Hindi with inflections of Urdu.

India Today had a one day offer for CD packs of both Carnatic and Hindustani Classical Music and were giving it on a promotional basis at about 30% of its MRP. Honestly, I was apprehensive, but couldn't resist buying the 24CD collection. Fortunately, the set is fabulous and what a collection its ! Ranga is all set to transfer them all on to his Ipod!
Tomorrow I am off to listen to Ghazala and Qawwalis...but that's the next blog from me :)