Name: An evening of two plays- 'Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane' & 'Amar Naam Radha'
Start: 2025-08-17T18:00:00+05:30
End: 2025-08-17T20:30:00+05:30
Location: Anuchintan Art Centre

An evening of two plays- 'Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane' & 'Amar Naam Radha'

This is an evening of two plays. The first play of the evening:-
"Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane" is a poignant play written by Manav Kaul, first staged in 2004. The story revolves around Rajkumar, a simple man who narrates his life story, focusing on five significant individuals who have influenced him. These "five grains of sugar" include his mother, uncle Pundalik, friend Raghu, a Gandhi-obsessed old man Radhey, and an anonymous truck driver.
Key Themes
- Human Connection: The play explores the importance of relationships in shaping our lives.
- Simplicity and Complexity: Rajkumar's uncomplicated life belies the depth of his emotions and experiences.
- Storytelling: The play showcases the power of narrative in conveying the human experience.
Performance and Reception
- The play has been performed in various languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, and English.
- Kumud Mishra's solo performance as Rajkumar has received widespread acclaim.
- The play has been described as an important new-wave drama, marking a significant beginning for Manav Kaul's career as a playwright and director.
Style and Impact
- Manav Kaul's writing style in "Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane" is characterized by simplicity, depth, and poetic flair.
- The play's impact lies in its ability to evoke emotions and spark reflection in the audience.
- Kaul's work has been praised for its freshness and invigorating spirit in the Hindi theatre scene.
The second play of the evening is based on a short story by Saadat Hasan Manto, titled-"Amar Naam Radha", is a mixture of both Hindi and Bengali language. The original story titled- "Mera Naam Radha Hai" is a thought-provoking short story by Saadat Hasan Manto that revolves around the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. The narrative is set in the pre-war era when life was less complicated. The protagonist, a film studio employee, becomes acquainted with Nizam Mohammad's villainous cats and later meets Radha, an actress also known as Neelum, who has a mysterious past. Radha's interactions with Raj Kishore, a renowned actor, reveal her strong will and independence.
Manto's narrative style and character development make "Mera Naam Radha Hai" a thought-provoking and engaging read, offering insights into the human condition and societal norms.