15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Play showcases emotional journey of freedom fighters
1
2
Lucknow: A powerful theatrical production showcasing the courage and sacrifices of India's freedom fighters left the audience deeply touched at the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi on Thursday.
The play, titled "Bade Aa Se Aazadi," showcased the emotional journey of freedom fighters and was prepared during a month-long theatre workshop organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi and Dastak Manch. Written by Sangeeta Jaiswal and Deepak Kabir and directed by Shubham Tiwari, the show began with scenes of freedom fighters protesting for the nation and facing cruelty from the British.
The play also depicted the differences in society, highlighting how some wealthy people stayed away from the country's issues, while the poor suffered the most under British rule.
The main highlight of the play was the dramatic scene of the Kakori Train Action that took place on August 9, 1925. In this historic event, revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, and others looted a British govt train carrying money to fund the freedom struggle.
After the incident, many revolutionaries were arrested across India. A long trial, known as the Kakori conspiracy case, followed and lasted about one and a half years.
In the end, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were sentenced to death, while others received long prison terms or life imprisonment (kala pani). The play reached an emotional high point when Ashfaqullah Khan delivered a strong message asking people to stay united for the fight for freedom.
Ashish Yadav played Ram Prasad Bismil with great energy, while Mohammad Talib acted as Ashfaqullah Khan. Rahul Sachan appeared as Chandrashekhar Azad, and Karan Singh played Thakur Roshan Singh. Satish Tamanna performed several roles, including Justice Archibald Hamilton. Female revolutionaries were played by Gargi Gautam, Kanchan Tiwari, Mihika Srivastava, Deepa Pandey, and many others who contributed as freedom fighters, police officers, narrators, and backstage helpers.
