MT News Service
Katra, October 2:
Natrang Jammu’s highly acclaimed crowd puller ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ – a mega musical theatre presentation devised, designed and directed by Balwant Thakur of Navratra festival-2022 is attracting jam-packed audiences in the Navratra Festival-2022 at Katra. Organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and J&K Tourism, this magnificent show has proven to be the ultimate highlight of the ongoing Navratra Festival where it is being performed twice a day. In a statement issued to mercury times, while addressing virtually from Mauritius, Director Natrang Balwant Thakur said that it has been a collaborative effort of many professionals in devising this spectacular theatrical wonder on stage. It took him three years in his research in developing the concept of this presentation in which he used both the classical Sanskrit literature from the mythological scripts and the traditional narratives of Dogri folklore. On the occasion he thanked all for making this happen despite the fact that he is away in Mauritius as cultural Diplomat of Government of India.
History has never witnessed a theatre presentation based on this one of the most popular Indian mythology. The most significant part of this performance is the usage of traditional narratives of Mata Vaishno Devi which have been echoing in the hills since last over one thousand years. This mind-blowing presentation is an assimilation of music, dance, drama and the latest developed techniques of imaginative visual thearitics which is the forte of Balwant Thakur.
Mata Ki Kahani’ – a unique theatrical experience for the audience, beautifully showcased the popular legend of Mata Vaishno Devi. Magically it transported the entire audience to a mesmerising journey unfolding the story of Mata Vaishno Devi which is a classic narrative that echoes every Hindu household and is a part of every grandma’s midnight tale. As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. Today Mata Vaishno Devi is worshiped by millions and trillions of people across the world. Mata Vaishno Devi has surfaced as an embodiment of will, strength and peace. In the present times, when the atrocities against mankind are prevailing, the legend of Mata Vaishnodevi gives a guiding light to her followers to help her devotees to uphold inner confidence and faith within themselves and on the strength of her healing and cosmic powers.
The most striking feature of today’s performance was the demonstration of perfection in every creative department be it the stage action, design, lighting, scenic imagery and visual poetry which left a life-time impact of a highly vibrant presentation. Mounted by over 70 artists, technicians, designers and creative people, this is perhaps the first ever theatre show which was witnessed by the audience at the holy town of Katra. Pan-India audience on the occasion appreciated the performance and termed this as their lives best memorable presentation which they desired to continue for the entire year so over one Crore pilgrims visiting Katra every year get benefited by such educative showcasing of artistic presentations. Majority of the audience admitted that they were not fully aware of the whole story of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and after having witnessed this mind-blowing presentation they have come to know about various aspects of the story.
The sound track of the show features top Bollywood actors including Mukesh Khanna and Rakesh Bedi. The voicing of the entire narration has been done by actor Mukesh Khanna. Seventy accomplished artists/performers/technicians/designers have mounted this presentation. Prominent amongst those included Neeraj Kant in direction, Surinder Manhas and Sumeet Sharma in audiography, Mohd Yaseen in Production Coordination, Virji Sumbly and Aadesh Dhar in art direction, Sushant Singh Charak and Brijesh Avtar Sharma in Costumes and properties, Sunny Mujoo (Choreography) and Shivam Singh in light design and execution.
The prominent participants of this mega production included Neeraj Kant, Suresh Kumar, Meenakshi Bhagat, Zeeshan Haider, Mohd. Umar, Sheetal Jadhan, Sagar Gupta, Sunny Mujoo, Vansh Padotra, Sahil Bazaz, Kushal Bhat, Sushant Singh Charak, Parth Magotra, Pooja Raina, Vidhya Angural, Aarti Sharma, Bhawana Gupta, Luxmi Devi, Palshin Dutta, Naina Rakwal, Priyal Gupta, Sunaina Bharti, Rashi Devi, Kashish Gupta, Deepika Rajput, Lakshmi Uppal, Priya, Kananpreet Kour, Mohd. Yaseen, Brijesh Avtar Sharma, Ajay Lalotra, Aadesh Dhar, Atikshi Thakur, Monika Sharma, Himshikha Thakur, Akraishy Langeh, Arushi Dogra, Avantika Dogra, Apurvi Sharma, Reetakshi Sharma and Jeevika Bhagat.
