Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a powerful tribute to one of India’s iconic female warriors, the Urdu play ‘Begum Hazrat Mahal’ was staged at the Sant Gadge Auditorium. Jointly organized by the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy and the Uttar Pradesh Artists Association, the drama vividly portrayed the struggle, courage, and sacrifice of Begum Hazrat Mahal, a pivotal figure in the First War of Independence of 1857. The event also included the felicitation of prominent personalities from various walks of life.
The program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guests, Nitin Mishra (Patron, UPAA), and Shaukat Ali (Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy). During the ceremony, several individuals were honored by the Chief Guests for their exceptional contributions to society.
Those felicitated included:
- Sardar Sobran Singh (International Athlete & Social Worker)
- Rafi Ahmed and Paul Robinson (Social Workers)
- Acharya Rajiv Shukla (Spirituality)
- Dr. A.P. Jain (Loihia Hospital)
- Junaid Khan and Anthony Singh (Journalists)
- Anshima Chaudhary Srivastava (Dance)
- Firdous Siddiqui, Dr. Anurag Srivastava, and Puneet Kanojia (Education)
- Anjali Srivastava (Singing)
- Amit Srivastava (Poet)
The play meticulously depicted Begum Hazrat Mahal’s role with immense sensitivity and strength. It showcased her leadership in the Battle of Lucknow against the British, her unwavering commitment to protecting her heritage, and the internal struggle between her maternal duties and her fierce patriotism. The powerful dialogues, authentic costumes, evocative music, and meticulous lighting successfully transported the audience back to that historical period.
Writer Wamik Khan stated that the play was not merely an attempt to re-tell history, but an effort to connect the current generation with their roots and inspire respect for women’s power (Nari Shakti).
Director Yusuf Khan expressed that the performance filled the audience with a sense of self-respect and patriotism. Lead actress Tanishq Sharma, who essayed the role of Begum Hazrat Mahal, described the play as not just a cultural event but a “historical awakening,” leaving an unforgettable impression on all who witnessed it.
Chief Guest Nitin Mishra remarked that such events effectively portray India’s rich historical background.
The successful staging of the play was attended by Mahesh Singh Patel, Gyaneshwar Sharma, Edwin Macy, Damini Singh, S.N. Lal, Murtaza Ali, Zuber Ahmed, Abdul Wahid, Murlidhar Ahuja, Mahesh Dixit, Qudrat Khan, Sufian Big, Arif Khan, Ubaid Ahmed Shan Faridi, and many other dignitaries and theatre enthusiasts.
