BY SONAM MIRPURI
LOS ANGELES, CA - A historical hit “Chanakya”was brought to Southern California theater fans by Super Dylan Entertainment in association with Tisha Entertainment and Rajender of Star Promotion to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre here on May 29. A Manoj Joshi creation, Joshi was director and also took on the main role...
LOS ANGELES, CA - A historical hit “Chanakya”was brought to Southern California theater fans by Super Dylan Entertainment in association with Tisha Entertainment and Rajender of Star Promotion to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre here on May 29. A Manoj Joshi creation, Joshi was director and also took on the main role...
of ‘Chanakya’ described as a “man who could correctly interpret the past and envisage the future to decide the right course for the present.” Joshi is known for his roles in Bollywood movies and has played characters such as Mr. Bhandari (Advocate of Pritampur Estate) in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and as Dubeyji, Dolly’s fake father, in Dolly Ki Dolhi.His portrayal of Chanakya was powerful and well received by the audience.
The show in L.A. was the final show to be presented in the US. Joshi came on stage prior to the start of the play to give a background and context to the audience so as to enhance their understanding and appreciation. Chanakya was the first to have thoughts in line with democracy, said Joshi as he explained the play. It was Chanakya’s thought that if all of the kings of India would unite then no one would be able to defeat India. Upon hearing this most of the audience members clapped in agreement to Joshi’s statement during the introduction.
His thoughts and ideologies were relevant then and have transcended through time to be applicable even now. Then, the time had come for the play to begin. Joshi went behind the curtain to once again portray the role of Kautilya Chanakya. Chanakya worked with Chandragupta to unite India. Chandragupta ended the rule of the Nandas and created a distinguished Mauryan empire with guidance from Chanakya. During the play one of the dialogs that attained the most praise from the audience was:“The truth is the truth it is not dependent on anything.” Another dialogue that rendered high appreciation was: “It is the king’s job to keep the people safe and happy.” Once these lines were complete, the audience clapped agreeing with Joshi all the way.
Whenever it was appropriate the audience members clapped and laughed in response to the dialogs delivered so brilliantly.
The play was written by Mihir Bhuta, directed by Manoj Joshi, and starred Manoj Joshi, Dharmendra Gohil as King Chandra Gupta; Ashok Banthia as Rakchhashacahrya; Sanjay Bhatiya as Pururaaj, Parvatak; Rajan Joshi as Dharmaj;Dinesh Kanade as Aatvik; Kamna Pathak as Maharani Sumoha. The cast also included Sunil Shinde, Priya Dixit, Nilesh Trivedi, Sultan, Karan Pamnani, Rafiq Khan,Kavita Rathod, Shakil Khan and Pradeep Vengurlekar. The actors who portrayed a character in the play performed their roles with excellence. To be more specific, Dharmendra Gohil who played Chandragupta was able to bring all of the appropriate emotions to each scene. He delivered every emotion on point. Additionally, Ashok Banthia did a fantastic job portraying his character, Rakchhasha charya. The ability to deliver lines with such dramatics can only be accomplished with practice. Banthia was able to portray and personify his character with polished poise. Kamba Pathak played the role of Maharani Sumoha. She successfully portrayed her character with grace and elegance. The other cast members as well performed their roles with a great deal of talent.” Inspiring so many, Chanakya remains relevant even to this day and age.
The show in L.A. was the final show to be presented in the US. Joshi came on stage prior to the start of the play to give a background and context to the audience so as to enhance their understanding and appreciation. Chanakya was the first to have thoughts in line with democracy, said Joshi as he explained the play. It was Chanakya’s thought that if all of the kings of India would unite then no one would be able to defeat India. Upon hearing this most of the audience members clapped in agreement to Joshi’s statement during the introduction.
His thoughts and ideologies were relevant then and have transcended through time to be applicable even now. Then, the time had come for the play to begin. Joshi went behind the curtain to once again portray the role of Kautilya Chanakya. Chanakya worked with Chandragupta to unite India. Chandragupta ended the rule of the Nandas and created a distinguished Mauryan empire with guidance from Chanakya. During the play one of the dialogs that attained the most praise from the audience was:“The truth is the truth it is not dependent on anything.” Another dialogue that rendered high appreciation was: “It is the king’s job to keep the people safe and happy.” Once these lines were complete, the audience clapped agreeing with Joshi all the way.
Whenever it was appropriate the audience members clapped and laughed in response to the dialogs delivered so brilliantly.
The play was written by Mihir Bhuta, directed by Manoj Joshi, and starred Manoj Joshi, Dharmendra Gohil as King Chandra Gupta; Ashok Banthia as Rakchhashacahrya; Sanjay Bhatiya as Pururaaj, Parvatak; Rajan Joshi as Dharmaj;Dinesh Kanade as Aatvik; Kamna Pathak as Maharani Sumoha. The cast also included Sunil Shinde, Priya Dixit, Nilesh Trivedi, Sultan, Karan Pamnani, Rafiq Khan,Kavita Rathod, Shakil Khan and Pradeep Vengurlekar. The actors who portrayed a character in the play performed their roles with excellence. To be more specific, Dharmendra Gohil who played Chandragupta was able to bring all of the appropriate emotions to each scene. He delivered every emotion on point. Additionally, Ashok Banthia did a fantastic job portraying his character, Rakchhasha charya. The ability to deliver lines with such dramatics can only be accomplished with practice. Banthia was able to portray and personify his character with polished poise. Kamba Pathak played the role of Maharani Sumoha. She successfully portrayed her character with grace and elegance. The other cast members as well performed their roles with a great deal of talent.” Inspiring so many, Chanakya remains relevant even to this day and age.