Latest news with #Ashiyana
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
It's houseful at Mumbai's Prithvi theatre for these juvenile home kids
The group from the Umerkhadi home during a performance of 'Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale', an adaptation of renowned theatre director Badal Sircar's, 'Beyond the Land of Hattamala' MUMBAI: Professional production, ticketed shows, popular acclaim. A dramatic intervention hopes to help children at city's Umerkhadi home reimagine their place in the world. Earlier this month, the stage at Prithvi Theatre belonged to 19 children in conflict with the law — many charged with serious offences — as they stood in the spotlight, not as wrongdoers but as artistes, reclaiming their story. The boys — all from Umerkhadi Observation and Children's Home — were the stars of ' Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale ', adapted from Badal Sircar's whimsical, 'Beyond the Land of Hattamala', and directed by theatre artiste Sapan Saran. The play is set in a surreal land, where nothing is bought or sold. Two bumbling thieves stumble into it and find that it values kindness over the wallet — a world far from the one these boys have known. For the audience, it was an evening of llaughter and surprise. For the boys, it was much more — a shot at being seen differently. Just months ago, none of them had seen a play, let alone acted in one. Aged 16 to 20, most ended up at the home in connection with serious offences like theft, rape, and murder. Some are undertrials, a few have been committed (juvenile justice term for convicted), but all carry more personal and legal baggage than most adults will in a lifetime. Their fifth consecutive sold-out show, the play was a part of Theatre for Change, a drama-based intervention that begins with weekly sessions and builds up to one full production a year with professional direction, public shows, and paying audiences. The initiative is meant to support 'children in conflict with the law', a term that humanises their status but rarely alters their path. 'We didn't want an NGO showcase, but a proper, ticketed play where the boys feel like artistes — a way for them to step out of the margins and into the mainstream,' says Timira Gupta, project mentor at Ashiyana Foundation, which works with at-risk children and youth. It began, as many powerful stories do, with something small. On Human Rights Day in 2023, a group of boys from the Dongri home were invited to perform a 15-minute skit at the Raj Bhavan, called 'Second Chance', pieced together from scraps of their own lives. It was part of a theatre workshop Ashiyana had started at the home. 'The shift was visible before their first-ever show,' recalls Sachi Maniar , director of Ashiyana. 'They were talking about dialogues, not bail or court dates. And they were performing for judges, cops, authority figures — you could see the shift in gaze.' For the first time, they weren't seen as offenders, but as artistes. 'It showed in their posture, their eyes, their energy.' That moment, says Maniar, planted a seed that has since grown into this full-length play. The boys didn't warm to theatre immediately. Coming from fractured homes and violent surroundings, some were too wary to trust the room. 'They didn't want to do what they thought was ajibo-garib (strange),' laughs Gupta. But soon they were hooked, and the script grew from their ideas. 'They are victims of circumstances. Many are school dropouts with no role models. Some can't even read. Many struggle with language, memory, or focus, and so the play was adapted to suit the boys' strengths and realities,' says Maniar. Saran, who spent four months coaxing performances and conversations from the boys, says the play's humour and idealism opened up complex conversations. 'They have strong opinions about the world and how it works. The play lets them imagine an alternative,' she says, calling it a bridge between where they've been and where they want to go. For the boys, the transformation is visceral. 'They walk and talk differently. Their sense of self-worth has gone from zero to hundred,' says Gupta. Initially, the team considered giving them masks to protect their identity. But the boys refused. For Veer being in the play stirred something long dormant. 'Main kharaab hoon. Sabko pata hai (I'm bad. Everyone knows it),' he says, matter-of-factly. 'But there's something good in this play. And I'm part of it. So, it feels like I'm doing something good, too.' Jai talks of how, after one show, the dignitaries came up to speak with them, seeking them out as artistes, not offenders. 'Bahut acha laga jab bade-bade judges ne aake humse izzat aur pyaar se baat ki (It felt good when important judges spoke to us with love and respect),' he says. 'Too often, children in conflict with the law are defined by what they've done or where they're from. But they're also dreamers, thinkers, creators,' says Maniar, who sees this as central to Ashiyana's restorative work at the Umerkhadi Home, one of the country's oldest at 220 years, that offers vocational training, education, and counselling. With the play, the idea was that it's arts-led interventions like these that help children heal and reimagine their place in the world. Like Kenaram, the hapless thief in the play, who stumbles into a land where money means nothing, 17-year-old Ali — who plays him — finds himself in a world just as unfamiliar, filled with light, laughter, and second chances. 'Through the play, I've seen new places, met new people, done things I never imagined,' he says. Kader, 18, puts it simply: 'We kids don't always know what's right and wrong. We just flow, like a river. But this play gave us better direction. I hope people realise that kids like us need guidance.' The bond between the boys has deepened, too. 'Earlier, we barely spoke — just gaali (abuses),' says Ali. 'Now we joke around using lines from the play, and look out for each other.' Even home feels different. 'My brother and sister came to watch me. Not my father. But I heard he's proud. That made me happy,' he smiles. Ali now dreams of running a small business — 'maybe a food shop'. And what's he leaving behind? 'Just the aimless wandering.' (Names changed to protect identity)
Express Tribune
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Javed Kodu's death marks end of an era
Renowned Pakistani stage and television actor Javed Kodu, celebrated for his comedic brilliance and distinctive short stature, passed away in the early hours of Sunday after a prolonged illness. Funeral prayers for the veteran performer were held at the marquee behind his residence in Singhpura, followed by his burial at the Singhpura graveyard. With a career spanning over four decades, Javed Kodu leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances, according to media reports. Born with dwarfism, Kodu faced numerous personal and professional challenges throughout his life. Despite facing discrimination and mockery both on and off stage, he rose to become one of Pakistan's most beloved figures in theatre. His stage name "Kodu" was affectionately given to him by the legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela. He began his acting career in 1981 with the play Sode Baaz and went on to appear in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with countless stage productions. Among his most memorable television roles was in the popular drama Ashiyana, which is still fondly remembered by fans. Javed Kodu is survived by his son Salman Kodu and another son, Shera, who has followed in his father's footsteps and is a popular performer on the comedy show Mazaaq Raat. Kodu's contributions to Pakistani theatre and cinema are immeasurable. His passing marks the end of an era for stage comedy in Pakistan. Tributes have poured in from across the country, celebrating his enduring spirit, sharp wit, and the joy he brought to audiences nationwide. He will be remembered not only for his iconic performances but also for his courage, resilience, and for proving that true talent knows no physical limits.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Veteran Pakistani comedian Javed ‘Kodu' passes away after prolonged illness
ISLAMABAD: Veteran Pakistani stage and television comedian Muhammad Javed, popularly known as 'Javed Kodu,' passed away in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday after suffering from prolonged illness, state-run media reported. Javed, who as per media reports was 50 years old, was widely recognized for his comedic talent and distinctive short stature. He passed away during the wee hours of Sunday after a long battle with illness. The comedian's funeral prayers will be held at the marquee behind his residence in Lahore's Singhpura area, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 'The veteran performer, who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances,' APP reported. Born with dwarfism, Javed faced numerous societal and professional challenges throughout his life, APP said. It added that his stage name 'Kodu' was affectionately given to him by legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela. Javed began acting in 1981 with the play 'Sode Baaz' and went on to star in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with several stage productions. His TV drama 'Ashiyana' was a hit with fans and is arguably the most popular television project Javed was associated with. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Javed's passing, praising his talent as a comedian. 'Javed Kodu, who was famous for his short stature and towering talent, leaves behind a void in the media industry that is likely never to be filled,' Sharif was quoted as saying by his office. The late comedian is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Shera, is a popular performer on the comedy show 'Mazaaq Raat.
