KARNA – The Play

Kulvinder Bakshish’s journey unfolds as a tapestry woven with intellectual pursuits and artistic mastery. Armed with a Master’s in Arts from Jiwaji University, Gwalior, he embarked on a quest for cultural enrichment, delving into the intricate world of Manipuri martial arts like Thang Ta and an array of folk dances spanning Nagaland to Bastar. His theatrical odyssey commenced as a repertory actor with Kala Samooh under the tutelage of Maharaj Kumar Hojain Gamba Singh, before seamlessly transitioning to Mumbai’s Ansh Theatre Group under the mentorship of Makrand Deshpandey. Collaborating with luminaries like Nawazuddin Siddiqui in “KANS,” Kulvinder’s directorial prowess soared to prominence with “KARNA: The Generous Warrior,” garnering acclaim and Ministry of Human Resource accolades.

His directorial oeuvre, characterized by a heterodox dance theatre style, traverses geographical boundaries, captivating audiences at prestigious festivals from Ujjain to Hyderabad. Notably, his upcoming musical “RAMAYANA” promises to be a tour de force in artistic innovation. Beyond the stage, Kulvinder’s influence extends to the small screen, where he has groomed numerous television lead actors for premier channels. His pedagogical expertise finds expression as a stalwart instructor at MAAC Animation and Drama School Mumbai, nurturing the next generation of theatre professionals.

Venturing into cinema, Kulvinder’s directorial debut “FAKRUU” earned him laurels at the ShanE-Aawadh International Film Festival, a testament to his storytelling prowess. Honing his craft under the mentorship of Sir Michael Caine, he has lent his expertise as a dialect coach to industry stalwarts like Aamir Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez, elevating performances in seminal films. Recognized as the Best Theatre Director by the Government of Maharashtra for his magnum opus “KARNA,” Kulvinder Bakshish embodies the epitome of intellectual artistry, seamlessly bridging the realms of tradition and innovation in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Sampoornam, drawing its essence from the profound wisdom of the Vedas, embodies the very essence of totality, continuity, and relentless motion. True to its name, this theatre group epitomizes an unwavering commitment to amplifying diverse art forms from across the breadth of our nation and beyond. By embracing the spirited collaboration of impassioned youth from every corner of the country, Sampoornam endeavors to satiate their fervent appetite for artistic expression. Positioned as a stalwart in the Indian theatre landscape, Sampoornam ardently champions traditional performing styles such as Thang-Ta, Kalaripayattu, Pung Cholom, Chhau, and Hetateulee, thereby contributing vibrantly to the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.

Embracing change as an immutable truth, Sampoornam approaches the theatrical realm as an ever-evolving journey of discovery. Seamlessly blending elements of mythology, literature, and contemporary narratives, its theatrical oeuvre embodies a harmonious fusion of the past, present, and future. Each performance serves as a testament to the group’s unwavering dedication to both preserving ancient wisdom and propelling the art form forward into uncharted territories.

Sampoornam’s stage is a canvas upon which artistic brilliance manifests in a myriad of forms. Whether traversing the realms of classic or contemporary, fiction or nonfiction, mythological or physical, the group’s repertoire is a testament to its boundless versatility and unwavering commitment to storytelling. By nurturing the talents of both established playwrights and emerging voices, Sampoornam endeavors to strike a delicate balance between honoring the legacy of our artistic forebears and paving the way for a vibrant future in Indian theatre. With each production, Sampoornam reaffirms its steadfast belief in the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and unite audiences of all ages in a shared experience of artistic enlightenment.

The untold narrative, often relegated to the periphery of the collective consciousness, delves into the profound depths of magnanimity and tragedy embodied by a figure thrust into the crucible of survival, compassion, and parenthood amidst anonymity. The tale unravels the existential struggles, navigating the labyrinth of ethical quandaries while steadfastly adhering to the principles of truth, sincerity, and unwavering commitment, even when confronting the moral ambiguity of one’s actions. Karn, a seminal character from the Mahabharata, serves as the fulcrum around which this narrative revolves, encapsulating the myriad facets of human conflict and resilience. Within its folds, the narrative unveils the harrowing realities of warfare juxtaposed against the ephemeral nature of contemporary truths, urging contemplation on the relativity of moral absolutes. Designed with meticulous intricacy, the play enshrines its essence through the portrayal of multiple characters by three female actors, augmented by the infusion of indigenous folk arts such as Mayurbhanj Chau, Manipur martial arts, Thang-Ta, and the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu. In essence, Karn emerges not merely as a character but as a prism through which the complexities of the human condition are refracted, inviting introspection and empathy in equal measure.

Sampoornam, drawing its essence from the profound wisdom of the Vedas, embodies the very essence of totality, continuity, and relentless motion. True to its name, this theatre group epitomizes an unwavering commitment to amplifying diverse art forms from across the breadth of our nation and beyond. By embracing the spirited collaboration of impassioned youth from every corner of the country, Sampoornam endeavors to satiate their fervent appetite for artistic expression. Positioned as a stalwart in the Indian theatre landscape, Sampoornam ardently champions traditional performing styles such as Thang-Ta, Kalaripayattu, Pung Cholom, Chhau, and Hetateulee, thereby contributing vibrantly to the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage.

Embracing change as an immutable truth, Sampoornam approaches the theatrical realm as an ever-evolving journey of discovery. Seamlessly blending elements of mythology, literature, and contemporary narratives, its theatrical oeuvre embodies a harmonious fusion of the past, present, and future. Each performance serves as a testament to the group’s unwavering dedication to both preserving ancient wisdom and propelling the art form forward into uncharted territories.

Sampoornam’s stage is a canvas upon which artistic brilliance manifests in a myriad of forms. Whether traversing the realms of classic or contemporary, fiction or nonfiction, mythological or physical, the group’s repertoire is a testament to its boundless versatility and unwavering commitment to storytelling. By nurturing the talents of both established playwrights and emerging voices, Sampoornam endeavors to strike a delicate balance between honoring the legacy of our artistic forebears and paving the way for a vibrant future in Indian theatre. With each production, Sampoornam reaffirms its steadfast belief in the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and unite audiences of all ages in a shared experience of artistic enlightenment.