Saurav Verma as Chand Bardai
Saurav Verma as Chand Bardai

XpressionZ Productions stages a new play as a tribute to the poet Chand Bardai

Chand Bardai was a poet who donned the hat of a spy to save the life of Prithviraj Chauhan

The first thought that comes to mind when one hears the name Prithviraj Chauhan, is the valour of the great Rajput king. However, it was Chand Bardai, the poet in the king’s court who is to be credited with recording the king’s life in an epic poem titled, Prithviraj Raso. In addition to his role as a poet, Chand helped Prithviraj by donning the role of a spy and helping him defeat and kill Muhammad of Ghor, who had captured the king. As a tribute to this poet, theatre group XpressionZ Productions stages a play titled Chand Bardai.

Prashant Jade who has directed this solo act says, “We wanted people to know about this story from our forgotten history. In the age of Iron Man, Hulk and Spider-Man, it seemed important to remember people like Chand Bardai and Prithviraj Chauhan.” The narrative follows the poet, his meeting with Prithviraj, his transformation into a spy and how he helps save the king. “The audience will also get a glimpse into the life of Prithviraj,” says the director.

While it’s a historical play, the costume is minimal and set design is abstract. Though the original poem was written in the Braj language, Prashant says they chose to perform the play in English to ensure it has a larger audience.

The play features Saurav Verma, a core member of the theatre group, in the lead role. The set is dynamic and keeps changing to break the monotony as it is a 70-minute monologue with no intervals.

Rs 250. Sunday, 5.30 pm. At Rangasthala Auditorium, MG Road

ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax

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