Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Sadat Hassan Manto’s play Neeli Ragen was performed by Shivani Cultural Society, at the K L Saigal Hall, here today as the directorial debut by well known actor Neha Lahotra.
Neeli Ragen, Manto’s 1942 Radio play which had become an instant hit, is an allegory of man-woman relationship in which the women’s constant desire for appreciation of her beauty and sensuality vis-a-vis the man’s blow hot and cold approach that plays havoc with his emotions.
The play revolves around one Sayeed who in his imagination falls prey to entreaties of women who is in constant need for appreciation. His friend Krishan warns him about the pitfall of such infatuation but Sayeed lets himself deep into the illusion. The play ends when both the characters of man and woman are jolted out of their respective states of hallucination.
Notwithstanding the symbolism and highly abstract dialogues, today’s performance in intimate style was very well directed and acted by Neha Lahotra who played the role of Surrayia while Aditya Bhanu enacted the role of Sayeed. The pair was able to render many shades of relationship through controlled dialogue delivery and body movements on a small stage. Anuroop Pathania was in role of Krishna.
Sat Sharma, State chief of J&K BJP was prominent among the audience which included artists, writers and members of civil society.
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