Play Guide

For many,the handsome Dev Anand will forever be Raju,but Shankar appears unconcerned. Instead,he’s focussing on Raju’s many shades. “He transitions from being a tea-stall owner’s son to a guide,to a forger,to a prisoner,and is finally reinvented as a godman. Consequently,the role involves many shades of the same man to act out in two hours,” says Shankar,“it’s daunting,tough,challenging,and fun”. Director Sanjoy Roy adds,“Raju,in the book,is not the lovable character you see in the film. Thus,in the play,he is more grey than white”. He also informs that Narayan’s family had allowed them “to stage Guide only if we follow the book rather than the film”.

The play seems to have been made at a leisurely pace — Ritu Saigal of Devi Arts,one of the producers,received permission to stage Guide four years ago but scripting by Amitabh Srivastava began two years ago,and rehearsals five weeks ago. Made on a budget of Rs 55 lakh,the production unfolds to contemporary rhythms. Four songs from the film,Guide,such as Gaata rahe mera dil are included in the action,and Gyanchandani performs modern dance moves.

Wrapped into the storyline are Narayan’s concerns,which echo true even in modern India — among them issues surrounding dancers,godmen and hunger. “Hunger,for instance,continues to plagues our country even today,forcing farmers to believe in supernatural forces,” says Roy,adding that Raju,fresh out of prison,is mistaken for a godman by villagers and,towards the end of the play,has to undergo a fast to appease the gods. “Narayan believed that godmen were not born great but people thrust greatness on them,” says Roy.

The play will be staged at Kamani Auditorium till April 21.

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