The Hindu : New Delhi News : A date with "Prithviwallahs"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 26, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

A date with "Prithviwallahs"

By Mandira Nayar

Zohra Segal and Shashi Kapoor during the book release function of "Prithviwallahs" in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Anu Pushkarna

NEW DELHI, NOV. 25. It was a "family affair'' of blood ties and even stronger bonds of theatre at the launch of Roli Books' "Prithviwallahs'' in the Capital today. With the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor handing over the book to the oldest `Prithiviwali', it was a moment that will probably go down in theatre history.

"It was a difficult book as it is about a journey that started in 1929. I just wish my wife was here to see what we have done to her Prithvi and Papaji to see what we have done with his Prithvi,'' said an emotional Shashi Kapoor.

Bringing alive the dream of a man who came across the border with only Rs. 75 and a hockey stick for luck, the story of "Prithvi Theatres'' is not about Papaji's dream, but of a rich theatre tradition that has survived years after him. With his inheritors moving beyond just immediate family to embrace a host of enthusiastic actors and directors, Prithvi Theatres has become a legend like its founder. And as one its original actresses, Zohra Segal, put it in true Prithvi style: " May the generations that come bless me for my frenzy. Many a thorn has been removed from the path of my destiny. The biggest thorn was starting the theatre. The other thorn was finding a permanent home, which was removed by this beautiful child and his beautiful wife.''

Keeping up the tradition of the theatre company, the young 90-year-old actress did not disappoint her audience by taking a trip down memory lane. "Whatever I achieved in my life I learnt at the feet of Prithviraj Kapoor. It is history in making today. Papaji dreamt of starting a theatre company which he did after 16 years of being in film. He struggled to keep it afloat and always dreamt of it having a home, which was fulfilled by his youngest son and his beautiful wife Jennifer,'' she remembered.

While the main architects of "Prithvi Theatres'' -- Prithviraj Kapoor and Jennifer -- might no longer be around, it has grown from strength to strength. But the Papaji's dream for his travelling theatre company extends beyond just its permanent home in Mumbai. "I think people who have not gone to Prithvi Theatres should find time to go. It will be a pilgrimage to theatre. I hope more Prithvi Theatres spring up in other cities, we owe it to Papaji,'' stated the author of the book, Deepa Galhot.

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