GARDISH MEIN TAARE Play Review

Director Saif Hyder Hasan came up with EK MULAQAAT last year. The play was based on the unusual relationship between the legendary poet and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and the famous Punjabi poetess Amrita Pritam. His latest venture GARDISH MEIN TAARE, produced under the banner of Manhar Gadhia Productions, falls in the same genre. This one is loosely based on the relationship between the celebrated filmmaker and actor Guru Dutt and singer Geeta Dutt, played by noted actors Arif Zakaria and Sonali Kulkarni. The play fictionalises this relationship.



Based in the 50s, the play deals with the married couple, Dev Dutt, a successful filmmaker, and Bhavna, a noted singer, who mostly sings only in her husband's films. After a point of time, their relationship starts deteriorating as Dutt is more inclined towards films and has no time for his wife. The rest of the play deals with its consequences while providing an ode to the films and filmmakers of the bygone era.

Complicated and troubled relationships offer plenty of scope for drama and the conflict elements that can be vital for theatre. But at times, there is also the danger of the narrative turning into something unsettling and melodramatic. GARDISH MEIN TAARE however suggests that even troubled marriages can be brought alive in a soothingly beautiful manner.

The play follows EK MULAQAAT in terms of visually striking sets, rich music and poetic narration revolving around a troubled couple. Thankfully though, the overall storyline, treatment and characterisation make sure there are no obvious similarities between the two plays. While EK MULAQAAT was about a fictitious meeting between the couple, this one focuses on the story between two lovers and how their relationship turns sour.

Keeping up with the nature of the play and its protagonists, the narration is full of elements that help in generating an artistic mood. The growing problems between the couple are depicted in a creative manner, instead of the usual arguments and cliched dramatic moments. Use of flashback and humor at regular intervals also enhance the script.

The makers have borrowed some real events from Guru Dutt's life. His encounter with Dilip Kumar and the incident about his and Raj Kapoor's chance viewing of Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali provide trivia with humor. There are some aspects that are questionable. Bhavna's intimate flirting with a cop and that too just after a shocking incident don't seem justified.

Music plays an important role in creating the era of 50s. The songs are not only melodious but they also suit the situations. Since the play is about cinema, using a giant screen for the opening credits a la 50's style works well. The background score adds to the effect but the same cannot be said about the lights. The lights create a mood but the faces of the actors aren't clearly visible all the time.

GARDISH MEIN TAARE gains from mature performances by Arif Zakaria and Sonali Kulkarni. Arif does full justice to his character, especially to his chauvinistic nature. Kulkarni on the other hand succeeds in being romantic, sad and frustrated at the same time.

Keyur Seta is a freelance film and theatre journalist and a blogger. For him, life is a stage where we all play our respective characters.