Right to Read

How did you come up with the theme?

Having studied in north India,I saw a huge divide between Brahmins and Dalits while teaching in the south. In 2008,two Dalit students committed suicide in our university. In their note,they mentioned that their professor used to harass them. I was hurt and that’s why I chose to make a play around this theme.

How is the storyline different from the Mahabharata?

The play revolves around lord Ganesha’s dream about Eklavya. He has an argument with Vyasa and says that the 21st century Eklavya will not give his thumb,instead he will revolt. To me,Ganesha represents the common man. The play begins with Eklavya cutting his thumb and saying that he will not lose hope since he still has four fingers. He fights for his right to learn.

Which scene is the play’s highlight?

Both Arjuna and Eklavya learn archery from their master Drona for different reasons. While Arjun learns the form to kill,Eklavya does it to give life to people. There is a scene where Arjuna is aiming at a bird’s eye while Eklavya is aiming at the bird because he wants it to fly away. Both arrows clash and the bird flies away. The arrows act as a metaphor for education which can save or kill a life.

How did you choose your actors?

Most of them are from scheduled castes and tribes. They have no formal education. They come from an NGO and my aim is to help them find jobs.

The play will be held at Kamani Auditorium today. Contact: 26011430