Char Chaughi- Marathi Play

 What the title means is Women like Any Other - or Ordinary Women. But here it refers to four strong women of a family- a Mother and her three daughters, and the life choices they make, which are ahead of their times. Set in 1991, written by Prashant Dalvi and directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, this is a powerful narrative about women's 'place in society', and how some of them chin up and challenge those patriarchal views. In general, a unique perspective emerges from each of the four women. 

The brilliant cast (Rohini Hattangadi, Parna Pethe, Mukta Barve, Kadambari Kadam...) only adds to the appeal of a well-knit story. Ahead of its time certainly, with some of the choices staggeringly so, it is all very convincing, the way the story unfolds. The men in the play also do their parts well. I like the reference to another well-known play, Hayavadana, which sort of mirrors the dilemma faced by one of the characters.. though she explains later the differences between the two.

A must see for anyone who thinks progressively- man or woman. Pic from Balgandharva theatre as the actors took their bow. They got a standing ovation.

Mother's Day- Play Review

This is a Marathi play that stars my cousin Suhita Thatte in a major role. So, naturally, we went in full force to the Balgandharva Rangamandir-me, after a long time.

The play, billed as a black comedy, lives up to its billing. The first act particularly, is full of barbs that fly non-stop, about parent-child relations, sibling rivalry, disregard for the aged, and many things else. Witty dialogue, sharp delivery and great acting from the four women (it's an all-women starrer)-most of whom act together in a TV serial, I understand (with Rohini Hattangadi and a couple of others), it is a must-watch for Marathi speakers.

The second Act is relatively sombre, but brings things to a climax that is somewhat expected, but closed out decently. Makes you think about a mother's unconditional love (a Kaikeyi or two notwithstanding-but even she loved Bharat that way), and how the kids are usually heartless. In this play, the daughters are the heartless ones (but one), while the daughter-in-law is the loving, dutiful one who cares for her mother-in-law in coma.

All in all, a great experience. Coming soon after The Importance of Being Earnest staged at IIM Indore, it put me a in a 'playful' mood.