On the occasion of world theater day on 26th 2013, city based theater artists performed an experimental Gujarati play Priya Mitra  ( Dear Friend ) at Natrani theatre, Ahmedabad.  Malhar thakar, a friend who plays one of the lead characters informed me about their plans. I decided to document not only the play, but also back stage scenes, pre play preparations by production team and present a holistic picture of whole event.  Here we go…

Scenes before the Play

   
                                                                             Dhrunad Kamale – Director of the Play

Abhishek Shah & Dhrunad Kamle in Operating room

                                                              Malhar thakar rehersing before the play at backstage

 
The Audience

And the play begins…….

        

‘Priy Mitra’ is written by Abhishek Shah and Directed by Dhrunad Kamle.  The play is 15% inspiration ( of  ’Maajha priya mitr’ -a marathi play written by Harshvardhan) and 85% original.

Cast :

Malhar Thakar : Plays Gopal 
Malhar is an actor, writer and lyricist. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad and went to Mumbai for media studies. He has acted in tv serials like ‘Byah hamari bahu ka’, ‘Taarak mehta ka ooltah chashmah’. He also acted in the film ‘Kevi rite Jaish’. He has performed as an actor in both commercial and alternative theater. He recently played the role of  Padmarani’ son in the play  ’Five star Aunty’.

Priyank Upadhyay : Plays Madhav
He first performed during college day.  in 5 years of career he has worked with number of directors  and have played variety roles  in all kind of plays.

Abhishek Shah : Gopal’s father
Abhishek shah has been working as an Actor, Director and Light Designer since last 10 yrs in Gujarati Theatre. He has worked with well known Directors of Gujarati Theatre like Rajoo Barot, Saumya Joshi, Rafique Pathan, Vrundavan Vaidya, Hiren Gandhi and Kabir Thakore in last 10 yrs. Right now, he is working in Vividhbharti Ahmedabad i.e. 96.7 FM as an ANNOUNCER.  Recently, a play written and directed by him “TU LADJE ANAMIKA” has been very well received by the audience. The Play won Best Play Trophy, Best Director and Best Actress awards in Gujarat Samachar & INT Inter College One-Act Play Competition held at Ahmedabad.

Hemang Dave : Madhav’s Father
Hemang dave is professional actor from last 3 years and Have done many plays In Ahmedabad and in different parts of Gujarat. He has acted in two commercial Movies (‘Kevi Rite Jaish’ – An urban Gujarati film by Abhishek Jain & yet to release ‘D – Day’ – Bollywood Film by Nikhil Adwani)