Mega hindi play on Lord Krishna’s many avatars creates a spectacle

NAGPUR: Various

avatars

of

Lord Krishna

were brought to life in a mega Hindi

play

held on Sunday evening at Reshimbagh ground. From being ‘maakhan chor’, mischievous, fearless, music lover and animal saviour, to a warrior and a guide; believer of truth and destroyer of evil — all facets of Lord Krishna were presented with pomp and grandeur, making the play seemingly real.

The 7000 foot-long stage was divided into eight parts, where seven different sets were created to suit the narrative flow — Krishna’s childhood home, lord Vishnu’s abode, a royal court, the cell where Devki lay imprisoned, and so on. Over 250 artistes were part of the massive play, dressed in colourful costumes. Technology played a major part owing to the unique lighting, special graphic effects and surreal music. The sound of blowing wind, thunder, lashing rains and so on, made the play intriguing, drawing rapt attention from the audience.

The play began with the sound of drum beats and cymbals. Several dancers graced the stage and performed on Vishnu Strotam as crackers were burst simultaneously. The set for Vishnu and Lakshmi was built on a pedestal above the main stage, where the devotees were sitting. Cut to the set where Devki was shown in labour, wishing her child would die in the womb itself than killed by her brother Kansa. The dialogues were recorded, and the play was interspersed with songs. Sachin Giri played the role of Lord Krishna. A spectacular dance marked Lord Krishna’s arrival, and costumes of various colours dazzled on stage.

The character of Kansa made an entry on a chariot which was steered by a real horse, and followed by artistes dressed as soldiers, carrying long spears. The output was a spectacle which seemed immersive, attempting to restore glory surrounding the life and birth of Lord Krishna. Heights were used in an effective way, to show skies and heaven, from where characters rendered dialogues.

The play was organized by Maheshwari Panchayat Sitabuldi on the occasion of Mahesh Navami. It was a creation by the Film, Television and Theatre society of Central India, and directed by Shailendra Krishna. The three-hour play was written by Kiran Gabne.