Friday, July 22, 2016

Multilingual theatrical treat

Matkhai Mahotsav is a unique effort by ‘Bhumika’, the leading theatre group from Balangir. The multilingual drama festival showcases plays written and staged in different parts of the country. After its inception in 2007 it has travelled a long way and the festival’s message has spread far and wide. The festival has become instrumental in spreading socio-economic and socio-political awareness. In this context I chatted with some biggies of the entertainment world as well as silver screen to register their perspectives on this festival.

Udayan Aparajit is an Oriya actor who has a couple of big-budget Kannada films to his credit. He was cast as the protagonist in these films. The actor said, “Although so far I have not got a chance to witness the festival, I am tracking it for the last few years. Over the years Matkhai Mahotsav has received overwhelming response, not only from the theatre community but from the audience too. The festival has become a most-awaited theatre festival in Odisha.”

“Matkhai Mahotsav has earned accolades from an array of national-level theatre personalities. The multilingual drama fest is a unique effort since it brings chance for cultural exchange. In these days, people have big craze for films and theatre is losing its erstwhile popularity. But a true actor knows that theatre is the base for acting. Hence, it is time to shine talents of the actors on the stage, before venturing for films. I will really be happy if someday I will be invited there,” said renowned singer Susmita Das from Bhubaneswar, who is a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Actress Sunita Babu narrated her experience of the festival. She said, “I have attended Matkhai multilingual drama festival once. It hosts plays in Hindi, Koshli, Bhojpuri and Bengali languages. I enjoyed watching the play titled 'Gara Bandha'. The story revolved around royal tradition. The central character of the play was an associate of the king. In fact he was the bait to trap the animal when the king went for hunting. The play depicted the life and struggle of Gara Bandha, the victim. It conveyed an emotional social message.”

“The name of the festival itself indicates the rich heritage of the land. It is great that the festival has been named after a hill situated in the region,” said ‘Hari Bhai Harena’ fame actor Sunil Kumar.

“I am involved in theatre in Mumbai and still continuing even after doing a number of Oriya films. I know well the value of theatre. The contribution of Matkhai Mahotsav is big, as it provides a platform to the theatre groups across the country to showcase their talents. The festival is truly a confluence of multiple languages. It is a rare affair,” he added.


Sunday, July 17, 2016

A few words with Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin


Kalki Koechlin was in Bhubaneswar few days back when the blogger met her and registered the actor’s views.  Asked what kind of roles she loves to play the actress said, “I try out any role offered to me including scripts on real life happenings, biographies and action films like ‘Charlie’s Angels’."


“People work through Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to provide social service. But I have a better medium i.e. film. I can convey a social message in a more convincing way through a film.” the actor explained when asked whether she has ever thought of engaging her in social activism.


Kalki has a brief training in theatre too. She has come from theatres which is her X factor in films. Besides, she has also penned script. Asked if she would like to write scripts in future the actor smiled and replied, “Yah sure. But I should get the remuneration as per my work (she again smiled),” and the cute actress signed off.

Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin with the blogger (Himanshu)

Classical dance by Sharmila Biswas

Voluntary organisation ‘Aim for Seva’ in association with Kolkata’s Odissi Vision & Movement centre will organize an event “Antar-Yatra, The Journey Within” shortly. The dance narrative that amalgamates three popular classical dance forms of the coast of the Coromandal: Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi will tour seven cities (Chennai (July 16) – Pune (July 18) - Mumbai (July 20) – Kolkata (July 23) – Delhi (July 27) – Bangalore (July 30) – Bhubaneswar (August 3) .

The dance narrative is choreographed and directed by classical dancer Sharmila Biswas noted for her originality, technique and stage design. Through the art of puppetry and pinnal kollattam, Antar -Yatra invites the audience to travel between the real and the make believe, and interpret for themselves. 

“I am seeking to bring out the inner domain, the aatma speaking of course, from the point of view of women traditional artistes,” explains the choreographer-director. The choreography for this production involves the intensity of traditional movement skills combined with contemporary concepts and features dancers Srijan Chatterjee, Lakshmi Parthasarathy Athreya, Amrita Lahiri and Sashwati Garai Ghosh.

Sheela Balaji, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva, explains, "At AIM for Seva, our aim is to educate rural India. Our Free Student Hostels across India provide a nurturing environment and enable children from rural areas to flourish. This fund raiser is to support this cause".



“Donor passes are available at Bookmyshow, Explara and GoEventz” the organizers of the show in Bhubaneswar intimated the blogger.

For more details on Antar-Yatra, log onto www.antar-yatra.com