Somethings remain timeless, just like classic stories, dramas, and books. These stories, though predictable, captivate us completely. For some people, they echo personal memories; for others, they offer pure entertainment. Kissago is set to enthrall theatre enthusiasts with its upcoming play, Nagaram. This Telugu adaptation of Piyush Mishra’s Jab Shehar Humara Sota Hai promises to be a compelling experience.
Nagaram tells the story of Abhas, a Hindu boy, and Tarana, a Muslim girl, who fall in love despite being from rival gangs. They meet at a jathra (fair), where their love blossoms amidst an unspoken war and simmering anger between the two gangs, each vying for control over their territories. While the couple is deeply in love, the constant chaos, disagreements, and rivalry between the gangs create a tumultuous backdrop, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.
The director Jay Jha vividly recalls his team performing this play a few years ago to great acclaim. “I feel some stories are classics. They remain relevant because they have an enduring value,” Jay says, as he describes Nagaram as a serious play that addresses social issues such as religion, caste, politics, and more. “It’s an engaging story about people stuck in these cycles,” he explains. He appreciates Piyush Mishra’s gripping and raw writing style, noting that except for changing one character, he has stayed true to the original story and its mood without hampering the essence of the story.
Kajol Dubey, the production head, talks about the set design saying, “Unlike today’s era, we have tried to take people back to the ‘90s”. It’s set in a two-tier city, not a very modern place, but with an old city charm. We have a tailor with a vintage sewing machine and a paan shop as well, to name a few aspects.” She aimed to keep the atmosphere as real, rustic, and slightly old-fashioned as possible.
Rishika, who portrays Tarana, describes the play as multifaceted, showcasing Tarana’s everyday life, dreams, and romance amid a world around her burning with anger. She believes these details make the play relatable on many levels, adding to its uniqueness and special appeal. Reflecting on her experience, Rishika says, “The challenge lies in capturing Tarana’s many shades as the story unfolds. Understanding her evolving psyche has been demanding but immensely rewarding. As an artiste, this complexity makes the character fascinating for me.”
Arjun Jawabnavis is the assistant director and stage manager for Nagaram.
The play is designed to take the audience on an emotional journey, exploring themes of love, war, anger, compassion, punishment, tragedy and more.
Tickets at Rs 200. May 25 & 26, 8 pm.
At Lamakaan, Banjara Hills.
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Twitter: @kaithwas_sakshi