Kaleidoscope has over the last 2 years, been developing a 360 degree vision
of the Mahabharata, the greatest story ever told. This research involving
academics, artists, designers has given us an understanding of the
contemporary relevance of this epic & the need for our youth to be exposed
to it. They start the spectrum with the play "Karna; Warrior of the Sun",
directed by Rudradeep Chakravarty and Produced by Varsha Bedi and Shivani
Wazir Pasrich.
The show was inaugurated recently at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi and
will continue till 3rd August. On this occasion Varsha Bedi, Bobby Bedi,
Shivani Wazir Pasrich, Amir Pasrich, Vipin Handa and many others were
present there. To get children to know about Karna, students from various
schools were specially invited.
This is the story of Karna, Kunti's first-born son. It captures his conflict
to seek his destiny as a warrior, his battle against his social stature, his
quest for honor; and how his circumstances and inescapable fate make him
probably the most courageous and admirable character of the Mahabharata. The
story begins early in his youth, and follows his rise as a close confidante
of the Kaurava prince, Duryodhana. It explores his enmity with the Pandavas
and finally ends at his death on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Karna's
conflicts are interwoven with the stories of his mother, Kunti, the wheels
of destiny that governed his life, and how he held on to his honor against
all odds. The story is enhanced by meticulously crafted digital imagery,
choreography, music and martial art. The narrative ends with the Pandavas'
discovery that in reality, Karna is their eldest brother; and their
consequent angst and tragedy at this discovery.
Nissar Khan is playing the main character of Karna, while Azam Mohd. Khan
and Aaveree Charey are portraying the vital characters of Arjuna & Kunti
respectively. The music has been scored by Kajal Ghosh, while costume
designer Salim Arif has given the new look to the characters.
Talking about the show Varsha Bedi said, today it is possible to tell our
mythology far more effectively than before. This is primarily due to
technological advances in media and entertainment. We have used computer
graphic imagery, visual effects and animation has been used to embellish
what is already "The Greatest Story Ever Told."
She said, the story is embellished with meticulously crafted digital
imagery, choreography, music & martial art. When you communicate to the
computer savvy youth of today, it ought to be in their language and format
and it is equally important to bring them close to our culture, our epics.
- flaMbe entertainment
