The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : A forgotten symbol of composite culture

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Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
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A forgotten symbol of composite culture

Special Correspondent

Journey into history: A scene from the play on Dara Shikoh.

Bangalore: Dara Shikoh, son of Shahjahan, is now a forgotten character in medieval Indian history. A symbol of the composite culture and liberal thought of the Indian subcontinent, he was killed before he would stake his rightful claim to the Mughal throne.

The story of Dara Shikoh is being brought out on stage by M.S. Sathyu at Ranga Shankara on November 15.

The play promises to be a musical and visual treat too, with Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan composing the music and Rani Khanam choreographing the dance sequences. The play is designed and directed by Mr. Sathyu, who has directed the well-known film on partition, “Garam Hawa”.

It intends to throw light on the life and philosophy of the scholar-prince, which is of particular relevance at a time marked by the onslaught of fundamentalist forces.

Mr. Sathyu’s troupe, Cinema Ithyaadi, will also stage another play in Hindustani, “Giraja Ke Sapne”, at Ranga Shankara on November 16. This play is a translation of B. Suresh’s Kannada play, which is a musical satire on young Girija’s make-believe world. The play is a comment on globalisation, which comes with shades of both deep pathos and hilarity.

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