Lucknow: A delightful blend of comedy, social messaging, and cultural performances captivated audiences at the Balraj Sahni Auditorium in Kaisarbagh, where Sambhav Seva Samiti staged the humorous play “Hi Handsome” and showcased a vibrant folk dance presentation by young performers trained through a special dance workshop.
Written by noted playwright Jayvardhan and conceptualized and directed by Suansh Saxena Ankur, “Hi Handsome” used humor and satire to convey a meaningful message about marriage, family values, and personal responsibility.
The play revolved around two contrasting couples and a witty household servant whose comic interventions kept the audience entertained throughout. One storyline followed Swami, a simple and sincere husband, and his fashion-conscious wife Manda, who is deeply immersed in modeling and reluctant to embrace motherhood for fear of affecting her lifestyle and appearance. Their relationship reflects a growing disconnect from family responsibilities and traditional values.
Running parallel to their story is that of widower Colonel Kapoor and his widowed in-law Sita Devi. Despite his disciplined military background, Colonel Kapoor transforms into a romantic admirer whenever he encounters Sita Devi. Both share a common desire—to hear the laughter of a child in their home once again. Their companionship gradually blossoms into love, and they eventually decide to marry and begin a new chapter in life together.
The humorous yet insightful narrative reaches its turning point when Colonel Kapoor and Sita Devi’s marriage prompts Swami and Manda to re-evaluate their priorities. Realizing the importance of commitment, family, and responsibility, the young couple resolves to embrace their duties and build a meaningful future together.
The production successfully balanced entertainment with social commentary, drawing frequent laughter from the audience while delivering a thought-provoking message about relationships and accountability.
The cast delivered impressive performances, with Shashank Pandey portraying Swami, Suansh Saxena appearing as Colonel Kapoor, Anamika Chauhan playing Manda, Sheelu Malik portraying Sita Devi, and Vipin Kumar bringing charm and comic energy to the role of the servant Kamal.
Behind the scenes, Rahul Kumar handled lighting, Santosh Kumar managed music, Shahir Ahmed was responsible for makeup, Ashutosh Vishwakarma oversaw stage construction, Prince Kumar managed stage properties, and Mrs. Soni coordinated costumes. Dinesh Kumar Gautam and Vikram Bisht also provided valuable support in the production.
Folk Dance Performances Add Cultural Splendour
Before the theatrical presentation, nearly 30 participants of a folk dance workshop organized by Chitran Kala Manch Samiti and Jai Jagat Education and Welfare Society delivered a captivating performance on the same stage.
The workshop, which began on May 20 at Prakash Bal Vidya Mandir Inter College, Gomti Nagar, was conducted under the guidance of young dancer Anshika from Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. The participants presented a colourful depiction of Maha Raas through dance performances based on devotional and folk songs such as “Kanha Re Thoda Sa Pyaar De,” “Radha Gori Gori,” “Mere Ghar Ram Aaye Hain,” and “Janme Hain Krishna Kanhaiya.”
Performers including Vaishnavi Mishra, Riddhima Yadav, Anjali Pal, Richa Mishra, Rangoli, Shivani Nirmal, Priya Mishra, Srishti, Roshni, Tulika, Tanishka, Gauri, Sakshi, Arpita, Ayushi, Divyanshi, Preetika, Preeti Rawat, Shivani Singh, Khushboo, Saloni, and others won appreciation from the audience for their graceful performances and expressive interpretation of the songs.
The evening emerged as a memorable celebration of theatre, music, dance, and social awareness, earning enthusiastic applause from art lovers and cultural enthusiasts present at the venue.
