Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, Nov 15: Shah Shahni, a Dogri play written by Rajneesh Gupta and staged here, at Abhinav Theatre, as part of the Sapthahik Ramala series of Dramas, emerged as a moving exploration of partition memory and a tribute to Jammu’s flourishing secular spirit.
Presented by Privartan and directed by Romi Sharma, the production skillfully transformed a simple tale of unexpressed love into a deep commentary on historical trauma.
The play opened in a Jammu sweet shop where an octogenarian visitor from Pakistan engages in casual conversation. Soon, the moment transforms into an emotionally charged reunion when Shahni, an elderly woman, recognises the visitor as Shah- her childhood neighbour and silent love, separated from her during the 1947 partition.
Through their recollections, Shah Shahni delicately weaves nostalgia, pain, and the irrevocable damage caused by political borders. The ending, marked by Shah’s promise to return, leaves the audience immersed in a lingering sense of longing and loss.
Rajneesh Gupta’s script, rich in chaste Dogri, beautifully interlaced with idioms, traditional adages, and comic expressions, adds authenticity keeping the audience emotionally anchored, especially the senior citizens who seem to savour each and every spoken line. The dialogue-driven structure effectively highlighted the bittersweet intimacy between the two separated childhood friends while also portraying Jammu’s cultural vibrancy prior to partition.
Meera Tapasvi (Shahni) and Rajneesh Gupta (Shah) gave emotion-laden performances. Their portrayal of ageing bodies-marked by halting steps, trembling voices, wheezing, and confusion-was markedly realistic and earned well-deserved applause. The chemistry between the two central characters, supported by gestures and well-crafted pauses, successfully conveyed decades of unspoken love with subtle brilliance.
Rekha Sharma as neighbour Chanchlo, Madan Rangeela Kasturi halvai, and Aman jit Verma as Ghara/halvai’s assistant, Rishab Manhas as Jamaldin and Arun Sharma as Safai Karmchari also gave good performances.
The production’s technical support enhanced its impact. Thoughtful lighting design by Rajesh Raina accentuated the emotional transitions and memories shared between the protagonists. Authentic ethnic costumes by Meera Tapasvi, and makeup by Shammi Dhamir added depth to the aged characters. Music designed by Yuvraj Gupta gave emphasis to the play’s nostalgic atmosphere, while set design by Arun Sharma and John Peter provided a suggestive backdrop.
Prominent among the audience were, Gandhian and Padmashree S.P.Verma, Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Culture, and Harvinder Kaur, Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL).
Organized by Dept. of Culture and the JKACCL, , the next performance of the ongoing Sapthahik Ramala (Weekly Theatre Series), at Abhinav Theatre on November 22, 2025, will be Vijay Tendulkar’s “Sakharam Binder”.
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