SAIYYAN BHAYE KOTWAL

The famous Marathi folk play 'Vichha Majhi Puri Kara' was written by Vasant Sabnis, and was later translated in Hindi by Usha Banerjee as "Saiyyan Bhaye Kotwal". The play has been designed for urban viewers while keeping the rural punches intact. The play follows the format of Maharashtrian Folk "Tamasha". The story is that of a king and his scheming prime minister. Following the death of the administrative head - the kotwal, the Prime Minister promptly fills the coveted post with his inept and undeserving brother-in-law. As per the hierarchy, the present Havaldar ought to have been promoted to that post. The wronged Havaldar along with his sweetheart Mainavati plans to frame the new Kotwal. Mainavati, who is a dancer, works her charms on the Kotwal and then beseeches him to fulfill her numerous wishes (hence the name, Vichha Majhi Puri Kara). She orders him to bring her the king's ring, chain and finally the king's four-poster bed (chhapri palang) - which he does. The play's slapstick comedy brings out the political undercurrents of nepotism.