About The Event
Swatantra Theatre Presents
Mohan Rakesh Centenary Year
2 Days | 3 Plays | In Conversation with Ram Gopal Bajaj
Swatatra Theatre will be celebrating lengendary writer Mohan Rakesh `s 100th Birth Year with a unique conversation with Ram Gopal Bajaj and Sunil Deodhar followed by 3 Theatre Productions.
Mohan Rakesh A modern Hindi writer and one of the foremost dramatists of post-independence India. Alongside contemporaries like Dharamvir Bharati and Vijay Tendulkar, he played a crucial role in revitalizing Indian theatre, moving it away from mythological and historical themes toward contemporary, psychological, and humanist concerns. His writing is marked by emotional depth, layered characters, and a nuanced exploration of relationships and identity.
As we celebrate his centenary year, we will be performing two of his most iconic works—Ashadh Ka Ek Din and Adhe Adhure—each representing a landmark in Hindi theatre.
These two playsAshadh Ka Ek Din and Adhe Adhure, represent the two creative poles of Mohan Rakesh`s dramatic vision: the poetic and the existential, the historical and the contemporary. Their inclusion in this centenary celebration is both a tribute to his artistic legacy and an invitation to reflect on the enduring relevance of his questions about love, ambition, identity, and incompleteness.
The festival will be inaugurated by Ram Gopal Bajaj, a stalwart of Indian theatre. An acclaimed actor, director, and former Director of the National School of Drama, A Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and Padma Shri recipient, his profound contributions as an educator and artist have left a mark on generations of theatre practitioners.
17th May , 4:30 pm
ASHADH KA EK DIN
Ashadh Ka Ek Din (1958), hailed as the first modern Hindi play, delves into the personal life of the classical poet Kalidas. It explores the tension between artistic ambition and emotional commitment, and the cost of choosing public success over private love. With poetic depth and philosophical undertones, the play remains a timeless meditation on creation, sacrifice, and solitude.
Cast :Dhanashree Heblikar, Prem Gowda, Kushal Shahane, Moksha Shah, Mrunali Phapale, Asha Shinde, Sarakshi Puranik, Pravesh Sakore, Mohit Ranade, Huzaif Khan, Sumit Tupare, Rajan Chavan, Sachin Kasbe, Shubham Kumar, Dev Gupta, Shruti Rane Bhargavi Itkar
17th May , 6:00 PM
As a special part of the event, Ram Gopal Bajaj will be in conversation with Dhanashree Heblikar to discuss Mohan Rakesh’s dramatic craft—his narrative style, thematic concerns, and enduring legacy. This dialogue will offer rare insights into the life and mind of one of India’s most celebrated playwrights. This event will be free to all.
