Theatre review: Ek Mulaqat Manto Se

Cast & Director: Ashwath Bhatt

Duration: 70 minutes

Language: Urdu/Hindi

Rating: 4/5

Plot: The play depicts why Manto wrote about how a hastily-marked India-Pakistan border created a divide in human psychology, and the miseries that the partition has caused. It reflects the life of Manto, and highlights why his writings had some element of tragedy and trauma.

Review: If you are fond of the great storywriter

Saadat Hasan Manto

, this play is for you. But if you aren’t particularly fond of him, this one’s a must, because you get to meet Manto in person and learn more about his life. Conceived, directed and performed by film and theatre actor Ashwath Bhatt, the play is a nuanced solo recital, which sees him internalise the essence of Manto’s literary insights. He uses Manto’s works like 'Main Afsana Kyun Kar Likhta Hoon', 'Khol Do', 'Kal Sawere Jo Meri Ankh Khuli' and 'Deewaroon Pe Likhna' for the 70-minute act.

The play starts with

Begum Akhtar

’s ghazals playing in the background, which helps create the aura of nostalgia and takes us back in time. In a beautiful monologue, Ashwath juggles multiple characters — the narrator, Manto and others — and the seamless transition is one of the reasons why every staging of this act has received a standing ovation. The play starts with Manto, donning a white kurta-pyjama and shawl, sitting on a wooden chair in a dimly-lit room. Ashwath aka Manto goes on to explain why his writings were fearless. Thanks to the actor’s deep voice and perfect Urdu pronunciation, it’s hard to take your eyes and mind off the recital. While the narrative flows well and makes you emotional, Ashwath’s spontaneity and sense of humour in between the act wins hearts, too. The dialogues are Urdu-laden, hence, overwhelming, but for someone who loves the language and starves to feel its presence in the city, this play feels comforting.

The act’s final scene sees Ashwath recite a couplet by Daag Dehalvi, which goes on to show the kind of research that has gone into putting together this stellar performance. '

Ek Mulaqat Manto Se

' is a play that shouldn’t be missed, because it beautifully brings out an important aspect of our history.