08 July,2010 09:36 AM IST | | Priyanjali Ghose
A new Hindi play explores the relevance of Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib in today's times and juxtaposes it against the changing urbanscape of his beloved city Delhi
What happens when a famous poet steps forward in time and revisits Dilli (now Delhi) with the wish to witness his posthumous fame? If he were Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, the greatest Urdu poet of the 19th century, he might be in for a rather rude jolt into reality.
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Ghalib, in the Hindi play Ghalib in New Delhi, lands up amidst the chaos of the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Delhi first and then to his own neighbourhood of Ballimaran.
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But does his expectations match the reality of our beloved, bustling and brash capital? Pierrot's Troupe, a Delhi-based group brings on stage Ghalib In New Delhi, a witty satire depicting the dilemmas of two centuries through fictional experiences of the Urdu poet.
"Ghalib was always in love with Delhi despite not originally belonging from here. He was maligned a lot here but he never left Delhi even during 1857 when all his fellow poets fled. So if he is allowed to take rebirth anywhere it shall obviously be in Delhi," says M Sayeed Alam, the director of Ghalib in New Delhi, who has also been researching on the poet for the last 25 years.
u00a0Describing Ghalib as the natural choice for a plot, Alam says, "Ghalib died a pauper but secured bread and butter for many for centuries to come. Ghalib was the right character to bring out the changes that Delhi has undergone and modern live predicaments."
The plot revolves aroundu00a0 Ghalib reaching his haveli in Ballimaran, an area in old Delhi and what ensues thereafter. The tenants fail to recognize him and drive him away, leaving him to seek refuge with Jai Hind, a kind hearted Bihari boy with a Punjabi landlady. They have no clue about who Ghalib is but give him shelter.
Ghalib realises that peopleu00a0 remember him only through the voice of Jagjit Singh and the screen-portrayal of Naseeruddin Shah and not because of what or who he is.
He decides to announce his arrival and tries to popularise himself. But soon experiences with the press and advertising agencies disillusion him and he faces an identity crisis. Ghalib begins wearing bermudas and tries to fit into the modern society but his poetic self suffers.
"Though an interesting and intriguing character, Ghalib is a simple fellow with an extraordinary wit. But he has always been portrayed as larger than life. His character brings out the darker shade of contemporary metropolitans ensuring that there is a brighter side," says Alam.
u00a0A rib-tickling comedy incorporated with various current socio-political events, Ghalib in New Delhi promises to be an entertainer with a subtle message. Through an irreverent narrative, Alam brings out the stagnating and deploring values and morals in a fangled city.
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At Chowdaiah Memorial Hall
On July 9, 7.30 pm
Call 98800 36611
Ticket Price Rs 300, Rs 500 and RS 750.
