Mission Kashmir

On his solitary travel to the Kashmir valley, Basharat Peer’s novel titled Curfewed Night became his Bible. Skimming through the pages from the book written by the Indian born American journalist who escaped his strife-ridden birthplace, stage director Mohit Takalkar came close to the land that he still believes is at unrest. His experience of interacting with locals, youth, army helpers and even ex-militia have had a profound impact on his latest direction Kashmir Kashmir.

Mohit’s trip to Kashmir took place after a few youth-run schools and institutes invited him to travel across the valley, to savour every minute detail on the way — elements that would enrich his theatrical direction. Mohit recounts, “I knew a few people who are involved in social work in Kashmir and travelled there on their invitation.”

What Mohit realised was that what the government terms as “peaceful” is actually a chilling silence in the state. According to him, the feeling of quarantine prevails across the valley. He points out, “They call it ‘perfect’. The silence is unnerving. It’s like being quarantined. The looming gloom is quite palpable.”

Interestingly, what struck Mohit the most is the fact that due to the backdrop of the war-torn conditions, the youth there lack any sense of vision. He asserts, “Among several other things that often go unreported, what disturbed me the most was that the youth have no vision for the future. There is no guaranteed employment and many staunch Kashmiris do not want to cross the mountains to learn about the world.”

The dichotomy becomes prominent when people stand on the brink of the real, surreal and unreal and the play holds a mirror to moments like these. Mohit accepts that while ideating about directing the play, Peer’s book was his constant companion.

The director says, “Peer’s book was a complete eye-opener. He grew up in the time of militancy. Though his work speaks of the normalcy in Kashmir, there are traces of unrest lurking behind the shadows.”

Interestingly, several of the costumes, props and the background scores used in the play have been procured from Kashmir during this trip. Authentic garments like Kashmiri pherans, painted wooden cutlery and soulful music of the santoor straight from the heart of the valley finds place on Takalkar’s stage.

Did you know?
Mohit’s theatre group Aasakta, better known for their Marathi plays, has presented an English play after a hiatus of one and a half years.
The play has been written by Ramu Ramanathan.
The play is set in a hotel called Kashmir Kashmir. The hotel is a metaphor for the troubled state.