Manoranjan Inc

Sense is their original production. It depicts a young artist’s journey – from finding his inspiration to ultimately,his persecution by the society that is offended by his art. “Both the plays are actually much longer,but we decided to retain the same set and the same actor in even the shorter versions,so that the audience could relate to them better,” says Ahmed.

It has been a while since a Hindi theatre festival has traveled to the city. Sifar too came in,not knowing what to expect. “We weren’t sure how many people will come,how many will be comfortable with the language,” admits Ahmed. But the cosy environs of Sudarshan Rangmanch,with its low stage and seating arrangement in such a way that half of the audience sits on the floor,proved to be a saviour. “The audience was so involved and it was so intimate. I improvised a lot on stage; I had the best time as an actor,” he says.

Sifar comprises of roughly 18 members. While for Ahmed,it’s full-time work,others manage some day jobs as well. It is one among around 15 theatre groups in Hyderabad,but the first one to have ventured out of the city to stage their plays. “When we started out,we never expected to build such a huge fan base as we have today. The theatre scene in Hyderabad is very dynamic right now,with college groups too making a foraying,and several fests happening. Hindi theatre is thriving there because the city has attracted a lot of people from north India who understand the language,” says Ahmed.

Ahmed started his theatre career eight years ago,with Nadira Babbar’s Mumbai-based Ekjute theatre group as an actor and backstage help. “But it is a tough proposition to survive in Mumbai. Just theatre won’t pay enough to run a house,and if one tastes success in films or television,it’s difficult to get back to theatre,” Ahmed says.

Members of Sifar say their Pune sojourn was made possible with the support of Sudarshan Rangmanch. “We work a lot on lighting and sets,so there are many logistical and financial problems we face. But Sudarshan is helping us cut losses,” says Ahmed. Saturday was reserved for Park,adapted from a Manav Kaul play,while today,the last day of the fest,has Manoranjan Tax Free on the schedule. This one comes closer home,as it has been adapted and given Hindi colours to from a Marathi play by Chandrashekhar Phansalkar. (The play starts at 7pm)