BAANJHA – The Play

Drama runs into my family. My late father was a brilliant actor and had once been selected by the then Annapurna Theatres, a premiere theatre company of that era. My other brothers are also directly or indirectly connected with drama in some form or other like writing, acting and others.

I developed a penchant for the plays from a very childhood. So far, I have acted in more than 50 plays under different genres, like experimental, mythological, social, historical etc. on different stages both in and outside Odisha, under different banners and different directors. And that resulted in amassing huge experience in acting, stage setting and other finer aspects of stage play.

But this play BAANJHA is my first directorial venture and it has become immensely popular throughout Odisha with more than 5 performances at different cities and localities. This gives me formidable pleasure to have been accepted by people of my state. My confidence is now sky-high and I think I can do better in my future experiences.

Serious Zone (Cultural wing) was created on 06.01.2013 and registered under Society Act XXI of 1860 vide Registration No. 02/3146 of 2019 on 28.06.2019. The object of the organization is to promote and popularize rural and tribal art and culture with thrust on excellence in performing art, open opera, drama and street theatre including song, dance and music through accord of affiliation, concurrence, recognition from University or Institute with courses, curriculum and syllabus whether residential or non-residential with admission of students of age group 4 and above with right to issue certificates, diplomas and degrees.

That is what is the meaning of the Odia word ‘baanjha’, nullipara, a woman who has never given birth to a child.

Woman is the living embodiment of valor and tolerance. Therefore she dares all odds of life despite adverse situations in life’s surging eddies.

Abinash and Sunanda’s was a decision that was a strong jolt to our so called social disposition. It’s the woman who becomes a victim whenever there is a social dysfunction, a deviation from the society’s usual course. And it’s only natural that she always takes all the blame for every misdeed committed by someone else. But she doesn’t lose hope, she summons all her courage, will and ability to move ahead despite stumbles and pitfalls.

BAANJHA is a play with an intent of reformation against social taboos that are predominantly prevalent on Odishan soil. The characters are not outsiders. They are very much here.