BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
LOS ANGELES, CA - Indian patriarchal society has played an active role in creating reservations and inhibitions for women, who want to dream and break free from the cultural divide. However, times have changed and so have traditions; the younger generation is now eager to get rid of all taboos and believe in adorning a...
LOS ANGELES, CA - Indian patriarchal society has played an active role in creating reservations and inhibitions for women, who want to dream and break free from the cultural divide. However, times have changed and so have traditions; the younger generation is now eager to get rid of all taboos and believe in adorning a...
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peaceful coexistence with people of all castes, communities and race. Hamid Daudani and Group’s play ‘Kuchh To Log Kahenge’ is one such anomaly and creates a gamut of brave and sensitive issues of love, religion, family and society by setting examples.
The heart-warming show that played at the beautiful Wilshire Ebell Theater on July 29, and was brought here by Super and Dylan Entertainment, struck a chord with Los Angeles theater lovers with its soulful live music, Bollywood dance sequences and thought-provoking messages. Significantly, for the last 24 years, Daudani and group, under the leadership of Hamid Daudani as a founder, writer, and director, have conceived and put together plays that not only give local talent in San Diego a stage to shine on but also bring the San Diego community closer together. In fact, this is the first time the Daudani group has played in Los Angeles after it was introduced to the community by Dr. Bharat Patel.
The play deals with a very mature and emotionally charged subject, but still manages to have its fair share of light moments that had the audience laughing from time to time and relating with the characters on stage.
‘Kuchh To Log Kahenge’ is a story of two lovers Sunita, a girl brought up in a traditional Hindu household and Salman, who belongs to a Muslim household. They have strong feelings for each other and want to marry, but are hesitant to bring this up with their parents. Soon, in a mix of twist and turns, what could have been a beautiful tale of love, compromise and acceptance turns into an ugly showdown where the parents disown their kids and walk away.
Talking about the technicalities, there were several segments which played a significant role in conceptualization of the play. The stage set up aesthetically and the live act beautifully integrated into the storyline got many claps. The dance performances choreographed by Shalini Chauhan of Nupoor Dance Academy of San Diego were enjoyed by the audience . During the intermission, Singer Kavita Kamesh rendered a soulful song, which touched many hearts.
However, there were some loose ends like the dragging sequences, which made the first part tedious. Sound quality was also quite problematic in between scenes as many complained of not being able to hear out acts properly. But, the second part was knit tight and saw some power-packed performances by senior members of the cast in the form of Sunita’s arrogant and religiously deep-rooted father, her helpless but passionate mother, Salman’s parents who acted modern yet remained traditional and Ravi’s liberating father. The younger cast failed to leave an impression and Ravi with his timely punches acted as the only saving grace.
In totality, the drama had several poignant moments playing up the guilt, loss, anger and sadness felt by the parents and the defiant couple Sunita and Salman. It attempted to relay the message that blindly following traditions and worrying about society only serves to alienate the bonds of love and family. A very real tragedy, ironically, is the turning point in this drama that clears the cloud of anger and hurt and once again brings the family together appreciating what is truly important.
Later, at curtain call, the cast and crew of the audience introduced themselves which included Daudani, who co-wrote, produced and acted in the play. His powerful lines resounded when he stated, “This play is our medium to lift the barricades put up by society.”
The heart-warming show that played at the beautiful Wilshire Ebell Theater on July 29, and was brought here by Super and Dylan Entertainment, struck a chord with Los Angeles theater lovers with its soulful live music, Bollywood dance sequences and thought-provoking messages. Significantly, for the last 24 years, Daudani and group, under the leadership of Hamid Daudani as a founder, writer, and director, have conceived and put together plays that not only give local talent in San Diego a stage to shine on but also bring the San Diego community closer together. In fact, this is the first time the Daudani group has played in Los Angeles after it was introduced to the community by Dr. Bharat Patel.
The play deals with a very mature and emotionally charged subject, but still manages to have its fair share of light moments that had the audience laughing from time to time and relating with the characters on stage.
‘Kuchh To Log Kahenge’ is a story of two lovers Sunita, a girl brought up in a traditional Hindu household and Salman, who belongs to a Muslim household. They have strong feelings for each other and want to marry, but are hesitant to bring this up with their parents. Soon, in a mix of twist and turns, what could have been a beautiful tale of love, compromise and acceptance turns into an ugly showdown where the parents disown their kids and walk away.
Talking about the technicalities, there were several segments which played a significant role in conceptualization of the play. The stage set up aesthetically and the live act beautifully integrated into the storyline got many claps. The dance performances choreographed by Shalini Chauhan of Nupoor Dance Academy of San Diego were enjoyed by the audience . During the intermission, Singer Kavita Kamesh rendered a soulful song, which touched many hearts.
However, there were some loose ends like the dragging sequences, which made the first part tedious. Sound quality was also quite problematic in between scenes as many complained of not being able to hear out acts properly. But, the second part was knit tight and saw some power-packed performances by senior members of the cast in the form of Sunita’s arrogant and religiously deep-rooted father, her helpless but passionate mother, Salman’s parents who acted modern yet remained traditional and Ravi’s liberating father. The younger cast failed to leave an impression and Ravi with his timely punches acted as the only saving grace.
In totality, the drama had several poignant moments playing up the guilt, loss, anger and sadness felt by the parents and the defiant couple Sunita and Salman. It attempted to relay the message that blindly following traditions and worrying about society only serves to alienate the bonds of love and family. A very real tragedy, ironically, is the turning point in this drama that clears the cloud of anger and hurt and once again brings the family together appreciating what is truly important.
Later, at curtain call, the cast and crew of the audience introduced themselves which included Daudani, who co-wrote, produced and acted in the play. His powerful lines resounded when he stated, “This play is our medium to lift the barricades put up by society.”
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