Punyashlok Ahilyabai’s Life Story Staged in Ratlam
After decades, the vibrant world of theatre came alive in Ratlam as the powerful play “Punyashlok Ahilyabai” was staged, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
The Malwa Media Fest hosted this grand theatrical performance on January 25, drawing a packed house. The audience was mesmerized by the seamless blend of light, sound, and live action, while the intense and expressive performances of seasoned actors earned resounding applause.
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Ahilyabai Holkar: A Timeless Inspiration
Ahilyabai Holkar was a visionary leader of the 18th century, revered as the “Goddess of Justice.” Her unwavering commitment to justice was so profound that she did not hesitate to sentence her own son to death when required. Her life continues to be a source of inspiration for the youth, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity, including the loss of her husband, son, and father-in-law.
Her legacy includes:
- Formation of India’s first women’s army
- Advocacy for widows’ welfare
- Abolition of the death penalty
- Restoration of iconic Shiva temples, including Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Nashik, Maheshwar, and Ujjain
- Construction of pyaavs (drinking water stations), ghats, and dharamshalas
- Elevating Maheshwar’s weaving industry to global recognition
This theatrical production brings to life the pivotal moments of Ahilyabai’s extraordinary journey.
Creative Team Behind the Production
- Stage Parade Director: N.K. Pant
- Creative Director: Arun Shekhar
- Stage Manager: Reshu Gupta
- Presented by: Rishabh Mishra
- Playwriting: Sajaldeep Khare
- Costume & Props Design: Rachna Joshi
- Choreography: Sudipto Sarkar
- Music: Milind Trivedi / Sudhir Rekhadi
- Singing: Isha Singh, Riddhima Bagga
- Assistant Direction: Anand Kumar Pal, Reshu Gupta
- Light Design: Abhishek Srivastava
- Sound Operation: Kunal Gupta
Stellar Cast
Aditi Mishra, Preeti Aa, Kajal Sheddi, Keshavi Sethiya, Priyanti Biswas, Lalita Kumar, Shashwat Srivastava, Anand Kumar Pal, Rahul Sisodia, Santosh Sahu, Priyanshu Shukla
About the Director
N.K. Pant, a veteran theatre artist, boasts 35 years of experience, with notable contributions including:
- Seven years as an actor and coordinator in the National School of Drama’s T.I.E. program
- Extensive acting experience at V.N.A. and Shriram Center Rangmandal
- Senior Fellowship Award, Vaagartha Swayam Siddh Samman
- Over 1,000 stage performances
- Direction of more than 30 plays
- Acting in over 50 ad films and feature films
- Production of a documentary on Kumaon’s Ramlila
A Nationwide Tribute to Ahilyabai’s Legacy
This 300th-year tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar aims to educate and inspire today’s youth through her extraordinary life story. The play, created in collaboration with Drama Drafting, Sahaj Kalakriti Foundation, and Pant Drama Forum, continues to be performed across the country in both live and light-sound formats.
This theatrical production is a testament to Ahilyabai’s enduring ideals, ensuring that her legacy of justice, resilience, and reform remains alive in the hearts and minds of the people.