Munish Sood
Mandi
The 25th edition of the prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, continued to celebrate powerful Indian theatre as the festival’s Mandi Chapter witnessed an emotionally compelling performance of Krishna Sobti’s acclaimed play “Ai Ladki”.
The staging took place at the Himachal Cultural Research Institute and Rangmandal, Mandi, drawing theatre enthusiasts, artists, and cultural voices from across the region on the second evening of the festival.
Chief Guest Highlights Cultural Significance
The event was graced by Mr. Anchit Dogra, District Panchayat Officer, Mandi, who attended as the Chief Guest and appreciated the contribution of theatre in preserving literary and cultural heritage.
Mr. Akhilesh Bharti, a member of Rotary Club Mandi (Choti Kashi), was present as the Special Guest, alongside several prominent members of Mandi’s cultural and artistic community.
A Poetic Exploration of Life, Memory and Mortality
Written by renowned Hindi literary icon Krishna Sobti, “Ai Ladki” is a deeply reflective narrative centred on an elderly woman standing at the threshold of death. The play unfolds as a sweeping journey through her life, memories, emotional attachments, and the unbroken spirit that defines her existence.
Rather than presenting death as fear, the drama portrays it as an inevitable truth — approached with courage, acceptance, and an almost lyrical calm. In a time marked by uncertainty and anxiety, the play emerges as a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
Blending irony, tenderness, and tragicomic undertones, the story ultimately becomes a mother’s final offering to her daughter — a farewell shaped by language, experience, and emotional clarity.
Cast and Production Team
The lead roles were performed by:
• Mother – Seema Sharma
• Daughter – Riya Verma
• Doctor – Kashmir Singh
The production was supported by a dedicated creative team:
• Music – Pooja Chakravarty
• Lighting Design – Deep Kumar
• Music Arrangement – Kashmir Singh
• Stage Support – Preeti Sharma
The play was directed by Seema Sharma, whose nuanced presentation brought Sobti’s powerful text to life on stage.
Strengthening Mandi’s Cultural Presence
The performance of “Ai Ladki” stood out as a significant highlight of Bharat Rang Mahotsav’s Mandi Chapter, reaffirming the district’s growing role in India’s contemporary theatre landscape and its commitment to meaningful cultural expression.
