Play Revival

Dilip Kumar at 97 (press photo)

A rather unfortunate photograph of thespian Dilip Kumar in the papers today got Bijoy Gupta worked up yet again (ref post of December2). “It was his 97th birthday yesterday,” announced the die-hard fan of the matinee idol. “Who knows how long he will live? Once he is gone, my play will lose all relevance. Let us stage it at the earliest.”
Gupta had written a hilarious comedy last year on mistaken identity in which a character, 'Dilip Kumar' appears by name (rather than person). It was meant to be staged at our Annual Function early this year. Rehearsals were held for several weeks till suddenly, for reasons still debated, the show had to be abandoned. The play went into cold storage.
Gupta’s argument for reviving the play has another angle this time. “We are already invested in the play,” he contended.

Bijoy Gupta (ext left) persuades Yusuf Rassiwala and Shekhawat 

“The decorators who were to erect the stage have also been paid a substantial advance. If we do not hold the show, that money would stand forfeited. They had promised to adjust the amount whenever we hold the function.”
Yusuf Rassiwala asked Gupta if he had lately met or spoken to the decorators and received a vague reply. “I know this for certain,” Gupta said while urging his main actors to cooperate in reviving the play. Shekhawat, Rukhsana Khan and Yusuf R assured him that they would not back out once he gets the ball rolling.
“I know we face a shortage of artistes,” Gupta conceded. “So let’s ask our members if people in their family would like to act in the play. They will be given first preference and thereafter, we may invite outside talent. I am sure we will be able to attract many amateur actors and actresses without having to pay them.”
Gupta has even decided to re-juggle some roles in the play, but would not disclose his plans at the moment. He wants a meeting to be called immediately to discuss these details before taking a final call. “My only concern is that the effort put in so far should not go waste,” he pleaded. “Dilip Kumar is alive today. He is not getting any younger.”