JEDDAH, 12 April 2008 — The cognoscenti of art and culture were present in large numbers at the Delhi Public School (DPS) auditorium yesterday to watch the musical dramatization of “Sons of Babur.” The musical, which was well received by the audience, set to a thematic search of India is based on a play written by politician-turned playwright, Salman Khurshid.
Al-Falah DPS School, Jeddah, staged the adaptation of eminent lawyer, statesman, writer and also president of DPS Society Khurshid’s play. It was conceived and directed by Sabitha Rahim to mark the celebration of their first convocation ceremony, at which the Congress leader was the chief guest.
“Sons of Babur”, has universal appeal, especially for its timeless relevance. The writer, while documenting the history of the great Mogul era, brings to life the essence of secularism prevalent in Mogul times that is still the soul of India.
Written in the backdrop of emerging fundamentalism in India, the play captures everyone’s imagination for its contemporary theme — “Quest for the Spirit of Hindustan,” and also for its commitment to correct distorted perceptions that have crept into our social fabric due to religious fundamentalism.
The musical presentation was all the more elevated for its high-tech direction, personification of “time” through a narrator in the backdrop and the seamless shift of scenes without the curtains breaking the rhythm of the play.
That the Acts changed could be gauged by the fact that the light of the Moguls was kept alive by participants in Mogul attire holding lit lanterns while forming a human curtain to facilitate the changes for the next acts. The 3-D effect was brought into play with screen-projected images merging with the props on stage.
The play traced a university student’s journey into the past in an effort to recover the lost picture of the great Mogul emperors who contributed to the splendor and enrichment of Hindustan. Through his communications with Bahadur Shah Zafar the last Mogul emperor, Rudra, the protagonist, travels back in time deconstructing the recorded history and restoring the truth.
The actors too were impressive by living their different roles. Rudra, portrayed by Taimur Shakeel, Mahmood Aslam Bachh, donning the role of Bahadur Shah Zafar, Osama Junaid Khan, who was Babur, and Daniyah Najeeb, who acted as Sarah, brought synergy to the play with their impeccable renditions.
The director of the play Sabitha, in her address, thanked the DPS authorities for “making drama an important event during the academic year as there are very few opportunities available to expose students to classical art forms such as dramas and musicals.” She added that she was honored and humbled by the presence of the playwright who was a genius constantly engaged in social change.
Khurshid said, “The performance was much above my expectations and beyond my imagination.” He congratulated Sabitha for her directorial skills and the adapted lyrics she penned for the musical.
Moving away from the drama, he expressed his satisfaction at the way DPS was functioning under the stewardship of the Director of DPS Zia Nadwi.
Earlier, the evening started with the convocation ceremony to honor 27 graduating students after the completion of their Grade 10 studies. The students were presented the certificates by Khurshid.
Khurshid also lauded the efforts of the faculty members of the school and its director for providing exemplary facilities and infrastructure for the overall development and education of the students. He said, “I am happy to learn that the school, has plans to add Grades 11 and 12 from April this year, and this will help students to continue their studies in this school.”
Consul General of India Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, who was the guest of honor, also praised the school administration. “I give full marks to the DPS School on all counts,” he said. The consul general assured the school of every support from the consulate.
After Khurshid released his book “Sons of Babur” in Jeddah, he was given a memento by Zia Nadwi at the end of the function.