KESHARI’S THEATRE SHOW “MUKHAGNI ENTHRALLS AUDIENCE

Dr.Badal ah,Odishabarta

Rayagada, August 27: This year, most Theatre/Jatra troupes have concluded their rehearsals and commenced their stage performances. Meanwhile, “Keshari,” a newly formed Jatra troupe based in Bhubaneswar, has inaugurated its first show at the Rupali Dussehra ground. Written by Dr. Nihar Ranjan Mohanty and directed by Balia Sir, the play “Mukhagni(Last rites observed by progenies in putting fire to the corpse lieing on the pyre of wood) ” was staged on the Rupali grounds and earned a special place in the hearts of the audience.

Built around a strong storyline and a social message, the play is receiving high applause from viewers. The plot follows a mother who loses her husband in an accident and, with a three-month-old infant in her arms, witnesses her husband’s last rites (Mukhagni) at the crematorium. Later, she sends her son abroad for higher education. However, after leaving abroad, the son adopts Western culture, goes astray, falls ill, and eventually loses his life. The heart-wrenching climax—where the widowed mother, who had hoped to receive her final rites (Mukhagni) from her son, carries the burden of her deceased son and daughter-in-law, performs the last rites with her own hands, and breathes her last—deeply touches the audience.

Portraying the mother’s character, prominent yesteryear heroine and current character artist Tunia Mallick holds the audience spellbound with her intense acting and distinctive dialogue delivery. Alongside her, leading actor Mantu, lead actress Kuni, Manuni, and villains Kuna and Akshay Sahu deliver compelling performances that bring the drama to life. Judging from its very first show, it is evident that this family-centric play with a strong social message will garner widespread acclaim and appreciation in the days ahead.