Ludhiana,
December 31
Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his august company had Tiranga staged in Parliament. Tiranga was a unique programme conceived by Durga Jasraj. It showed the history of Tricolour- how it came into existence, how it got its present shape, and how people died for it. Javed Akhtar had composed verses for the three colours- orange, white and green and finally the Tiranga.
Pandit Jasraj sang those verses, Hari Prasad played the flute, U. Srinivas, Silva Ganesh and Shaffat Ahmad Khan on different instruments charmed the parliamentarians. But the Ludhianvis were able to witness this grand show much before the parliamentarians. This grand programme was brought by the Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam.
Throughout the year, LSS brought excellent programmes , plays and concerts etc. Famous TV artist better known as Ramola Sikand of Kahin Kisi Roz aka Sudha Chandran and Rajesh Puri better known as Laloo of Humlog staged a play Kamaal Karte Ho Aap Bhi. Another programme that enthralled the audience was a concert called Sitar Funk. Niladari Kumar, leader of Sitar Funk had said the artists were giving modern look to sitar and other instruments to popularise them with the younger generation. Hai Mera Dil another comedy starring Dinesh Thakur, and Preeeta engaged the audience.
A piano concert by famous pianist Brian Silas was a hit. 'Mind Set' By Pradeep Rao was something very amazing. Pradeep readout the deepest thoughts of the audience. The last programme was by Gurdas Mann that was hugely appreciated.
The play that created frenzy was 'Bullha' staged by famous Pakistani troupe. Their presentation of the Sufi saint Bullha was amazing . The way of presentation was very different. All departments of the plat - acting, singing of qwaalis, sets, and lights were different and was an out of the world experience that people would cherish and would remember for a long time.
Saavi a play directed by the local theatre artist Nirmal Rishi with amateur students was also very outstanding. The play was so liked by the politicians that it was staged in the Vidhan Sabha.
SPIC MACAY that promotes culture among the youth had also brought to the city eminent theatre personality like Habib Tanveer. His troupe had staged two very popular plays - Jine Lahore Nahin Vaikhye O Jamaye Hi Nahin and Ponga Pandit. A sprightly and spunky octogenarian, Habeeb told the students to stay away from fundamentalism. Anees Siddiqui taught calligraphy, while Johar Ali electrified the students by his violin performance.
