Play “Chaak” Depicts Struggles of Partition at Bihar Diwas Theatre Festival in Patna

Patna: On the second day of the five-day Mahila Natya Utsav 2025, organized jointly by the Department of Art, Culture and Youth and Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy, the play “Chaak” was staged at Premchand Rangshala, Patna. The performance was presented by Kolkata-based theatre institute Little Thespian and captivated the audience with its powerful portrayal of struggle and survival.

Written by actor and director S.M. Azhar Alam, “Chaak” narrates the hardships faced by Indian Muslims during the partition of Pakistan and East Pakistan in 1971. The story revolves around Gaffur Khan, who is entangled in legal battles over family property, while his wife Zohra, sons Majeed and Arshad, and daughter Razia face sorrow and shattered dreams. The play was directed by Uma Jhunjhunwala, who also played the lead role of Zohra. The stellar performances deeply moved the audience, who responded with thunderous applause.

The cast included Uma Jhunjhunwala as Zohra, Sagar Sen Gupta as Gaffur Khan, Navya Shankar as Razia, Intekhab Warsi as Majeed, Mohammad Asif Ansari as Arshad, and Danish Waris Khan as Bablu, along with Ekarshi Chaudhary in the role of a builder. Stage management was handled by Shweta Surabhi. The play’s compelling storytelling and gripping performances left a lasting impact on the viewers.

Alongside this, the street play “Khuchhar” was performed by Madhyam Foundation Institute in the outer premises of Premchand Rangshala. The event saw the presence of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy Secretary Anil Kumar Sinha, Assistant Secretary Kirti Alok, senior theatre artists, and other eminent personalities.