India-Pakistan relationship: Sowing the seeds of understanding

Ajoka performs play on Bhagat Singh at PNCA.

ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the message of Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed his life for the independence of the sub continent, is the main theme of “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola”, a play written by Shahid Nadeem and directed by Madeeha Gauhar. The play was presented at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) auditorium on Sunday night by twenty artists.

Bhagat Singh is considered to be one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He fought against British rule and on October 7, 1930 was sentenced to death along with his compatriots allegedly ‘waging war against the king.’

“Mera Rang Day Basanti Chola” is Ajoka Theater’s tribute to Singh. Gauhar stated that Singh’s legacy “is one that our people can truly celebrate.”

The play spotlights hitherto little known historical facts about Singh’s ideology and trial, including the link between Bhagat Singh and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto -- the murder of Nawab Ahmad Khan, who sentenced Bhagat Singh to death, was put on Bhutto.

The musical score is a poetic tribute to the struggles suffered by Singh and includes song sung by the revolutionary trio before being hung. Also included was the Lahori tongawala’s “Ghori”, recited on Singh’s first death anniversary and which have since become part of Punjabi folklore.

The packed auditorium included the Indian High Commisioner who appreciated Ajoka’s efforts to bring the two countries closer.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2011.