Vomedh Rangmanch stages ‘Rovmut Bhatta’; a satirical take on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu, May 04, 2024:  Living to its reputation of presenting meaningful plays on socially relevant issues, Vomedh Rangmanch last evening staged yet another play ‘Rovmut Bhatta’ (Lost Pandit) approved by Ministry of Culture, Government of India under CFPGS at Writers Club, KL Sehgal Hall in Abhinav Theatre complex, leaving the jam-packed audience spellbound by the script, direction and the performance of the artists.

Dr Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) was the Chief Guest while Ajay Bharati, Former MLC and Spokesperson BJP was the guest of honour. The audience comprised of top dignitaries, senior artists, social activists, writers, poets and other stalwarts of the Kashmiri Pandit community and Jammu.

‘Rovmut Bhatta’ is a satirical take on the journey of Kashmiri Pandits since their forced exile in 1990 after the eruption of militancy in Kashmir valley and the impact it has had on the community caught in the cobweb of terrorism and cross-cultural chaos leaving them confused about their future.

The play is also introspection on the community leadership majority of which seems to be confused on how to deal with the situation and the cross-cultural upbringing of their children threatening to eradicate their age-old unique customs, language, traditions through inter caste marriages etc.

According to the playwright Rakesh Roshan Bhat whose all the plays have been mega hits with the audience, “introspection is a great tool to assess oneself. It purifies soul and clears the cob webs in one’s mind. It helps a person to grow and shed ego. Honest introspection triggers insights. Rovmut Batta is a story of deep introspection. It is a story of stock taking of what has gone wrong with KP community and why? Are there only external factors responsible for all the ills that the community is faced with? Rovmut Batta is a satirical comedy with elements of introspection, reflections, nostalgia, resilience and hope”

The director Rohit Bhat says that it is a story of resilience and hope as the protagonist springs back into action even after being in coma for so many years. The optimist would say-if he could do it anyone can do it and the pessimist would say-if he could not do it, no one can, adding they are not trying to preach anything and their intention is not to hurt anyone’s feeling but it is an attempt to pause and look back; after all isn’t this what good and meaningful theatre is all about?

King C Bharati, senior journalist and prominent social activist says that commenting on the social evils should not be taken in negative sense but instead one should take a lesson and go for introspection which is the actual message of the play.

The story revolves around Tathya, a man in eighties in coma for over three decades whose elder son was killed by terrorists in Kashmir due to which he went into coma and how his second son Raju shifts to Jammu alongwith Tathya’s foster son Jorra.

One day Tathya suddenly comes out of coma and the drama unfolds as he begins asking uncomfortable questions to his son why he or the community has not been able to get justice all these years. He finally takes it upon himself to seek justice by going on fast unto death as the leadership has failed them.

He finally dies during the protest fast raising several uncomfortable questions about the political class, bureaucracy, community leadership and the confusion prevailing within the community.

The script is superb, direction upto the mark and all the artists played well while Tathya, Jorra and Raju and Pradeep were of top standard. The audience gave a standing ovation for the artists and the Vomedh for such a superb play and performance.

The artists who played various roles include (Tathya) Jatinder Jotshi, (Raju) King C Bharati, (Pradeep) Sunny Mujoo, (Mala) Sushma Kumari, (Jhore) Vinay Pandita, (Hema) Varsha Kumari, (Person 1) Arvin Tickoo, (Person 2) Kamakshya Dogra, (Leader 3) Vinod Bushan, (Leader 4) Rohit Bhat, (Leader, (Clown) Rakesh Tickoo, (Host) Bindiya Raina Tickoo, the play is written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Directed by Rohit Bhat. Back Stage was managed by (Costumes) Bharti Kaul, (Makeup) Shammi Dhamir, (Music) Ishu Bharati Pandit, (Sound) Lokesh/Vimal, (Lights) Tara Chand, (Hall Management) Saachi Sundeep Bhat & Team NDKM and (Publicity) Shazi Khan, Mariya Khan & Rahul Pandita.