New Delhi: Today is the death anniversary of Safdar Hashmi, one of the greatest playwrights in the history of India. On January 1, the Amuk Artiste Group staged a street play named ‘Aur Karo Tum Jai-Jaikaar’ to commemorate 36th death anniversary of Hashmi at Passenger Goods Coach Factory in Alambagh. The play, written and directed by Anil Mishra ‘Guruji’, dealt with India’s parliamentary system of government and the societal and governance evils. In this article, we will explore the impact and legacy of Safdar Hashmi on Indian theatre.
Safdar Hashmi: One of the greatest exponents of street theatre in India
Born on April 12, 1954, in Delhi, Safdar Hashmi was a playwright and director who is famous for being one of the greatest exponents of street theatre in our country. Also, he was an actor and lyricist who is still an important voice in the political theatre of India.
Safdar Hashmi spent his early years in Delhi and Aligarh in a liberal environment. He did his graduation and post-graduation in the English Literature from Delhi and during his student days, he became involved with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). The IPTA would have a profound impact on his theatrical outlook in later life.
The works of Safdar Hashmi
Hashmi was one of the founder of the Jana Natya Manch in 1973 which is popularly known as JANAM. When PM Indira Gandhi was accused of rigging elections, Hashmi produced ‘Kursi, Kursi, Kursi’, a street play which depicted a king whose throne moves with him. The play was a big hit and propelled JANAM to fame.
Till 1975, JANAM used to perform street plays for the audience. After the Emergency was imposed, he worked as an English literature lecturer in various universities. He returned to political theatre after the Emergency and produced plays with JANAM like Machine, Gaon Se Shahar Tak, Hatyare and Apharan Bhaichare Ke, Teen Crore, Aurat and DTC ki Dhandhli. Hashmi was JANAM’s director and till his death, the group performed 24 street plays about 4,000 times mainly in places where working-class people lived.
The murder of Safdar Hashmi
On January 2, 1989, JANAM was performing the street play ‘Halla Bol’ in Sahibabad’s Jhandapur village when the Ghaziabad municipal elections were taking place. A group of miscreants attacks the troupe when it was performing and Hashmi was fatally injured. He died on January 2 and on January 4, his wife Moloyshree Hashmi returned where he was attacked with the JANAM troupe and completed the performance.
Safdar Hashmi, a renowned Indian playwright and director, is remembered on his death anniversary. A pioneer of street theatre, he founded Jana Natya Manch (JANAM), a group known for its politically charged performances. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
