A leaf out of the Mahabharata, onstage

In this weather, I feel waterlogged from my damp mood down to my limp love-curls. But an epic works wonders for the disposition. And powdered wigs and court intrigues are just my brand of historical make-believe, so I jumped when my girl-friends started chattering about “this new mythological play”. With illustrious creators like writer Farrukh Dhondy, and director Rudradeep Chakraborty (City of Djinns), I had to trade in my movie DVDs for tickets to Karna; Warrior of the Sun. What’s it about dashing demi-Gods, glittering costumes and a larger-than-life plot that makes a girl’s day?

It’s a “spectacle in four acts”, to borrow words from the brochure. The 90-minute play tells the tale of Karna, the unknown eldest son of the Pandavs, who was born of divinity but raised as the son of a lowly chariot rider. At every step, fate deals Karna a rotten hand, but also entices him to seek his destiny, his rightful place as the Warrior of the Sun. This show has all the pathos and grandeur of a classic opera. PS: a box of tissues may be a good idea.

Actor Nissar Khan plays a stout and tragic Karna, with silky flowing tresses that made me green. Arjun, brought alive by Azam Mohd. Khan, has the distinctive elegance of a deity (and the hair too). My favourites from the whole shebang, you ask? A scene from Lord Indra’s heavenly court: apsaras straight in from the Miss World pageant, a gauzy aquamarine costume and glittering jewellery donned by the Lord. The breathtaking backdrops are created digitally, a first for Indian stage. The soundtrack’s resonant and the dancing flawless.

Now, if only I could take some of the baubles home!

Karna; Warrior of the Sun, Daily 7.30 pm till August 3, at Siri Fourt Auditorium, Khel Gaon Marg; Ticket prices: Rs 250, 500, 750, 1000; Contact Deepak Gupta: 9818180422.