BY SARIKA JASWNI
Atlanta, GA, January 2, 2024: Dhoop Chaoon Theater Group of Atlanta presented their 2023 annual show on December 9th at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, GA. Fifty artists and volunteers came together as a team to present renditions of the masterpieces “Panch Parmeshwar” written by Munshi Prem Chand and “Gaj Foot Inch” penned by K.P. Saxena. Abridged performances of “Kunwara Bechara” and “Dhoop Chaoon Hungama” were included in the 3-hour show.
Under the expert direction of Sandhya Saxena Bhagat and the patronage of Anil Bhagat, the omnibuses “Panch Parmeshwar” and “Gaj Foot Inch” leaped from the pages into oratorical reality. The Broadway-style histrionics had all the flavors of Navrasa: action, drama, comedy, and even flash mob dancing.
DC Theater Group, established in Atlanta, Georgia since 2007, is a one-of-a-kind theater group that incorporates all the light and dark shades of life into its presentations. Operating with two main objectives—conservation and transference of Hindi language & culture and entertainment—DC has 127 permanent members, with many contributing behind the scenes. The group is closely associated with the Indian Consulate and showcases small productions throughout the year in Atlanta and across the USA. The dedicated team personifies the name Dhoop Chaoon, with Sandhya Bhagat Saxena as the Dhoop (sun) and the team members as the Chaoon (shade) gathering under her light, keeping the metaphorical Solar system alive in the Milky Way of Atlanta.
Munshi Prem Chand’s “Panch Parmeshwar,” considered ‘Upanyas Samrat,’ reflects communal togetherness and provides vivid images of the social and political life of the early years of the twentieth century. His storytelling immortalizes ordinary characters, balancing idealism and realism. The theme of ‘Panch Parmeshwar’ revolves around the importance of placing equitability over self-interest.
Performing Artists for “Panch Parmeshwar”: Manish Dubey, Poornima Raj, Sarika Jaswani, Avdhesh Bhardwaj, Krishan Kumar, Anil Jaswani, Seema Pillay, Sidharth Garg, and others.
K.P. Saxena’s “Gaj Foot Inch” is a love story packaged in brilliant comedy, exploring the evolution from measuring love to realizing its incalculable, immeasurable nature.
Performing Artists for “Gaj Foot Inch”: Rita Kapahi, Anil Jaswani, Sidharth Garg, Amit Prasad, Shabana Sayeed, Deepti Sharma, Nitish Dubey.
“Kunwara Bechara,” a lighthearted comedy, revolves around women’s empowerment, emphasizing that a woman should be who and what she wants, and there is no force more powerful than a determined woman.
Performing Artists for “Kunwara Bechara”: Asha Gupta, Chandni Agarwal, Asha Sharma, Rita Kapahi, Vandana Tantia, Aarti Jain, Akanksha Tiwari, Amit Prasad, Meenakshi Iyer, Seema Pillay.
“Dhoop Chaoon Hungama,” a flash mob-style dance, was performed by Poornima Raj, Surbhi Jain, Nitish Dubey.
Dhoop Chaoon extends gratitude to all volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, including those behind the scenes and the dedicated individuals responsible for light, sound, videography, photography, front desk, food, sets, makeup, marketing, backstage help, and correspondence.
Sponsors: M.G.S. Yadav, Shahid Ali, Priyanka Agarwal, Jyotindra Trivedi, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Sudhir Agarwal, Desi Brothers, Bamboo Gardens. Supporters: Aslam Pervaz, Ritambhara Mittal, Talat Alvi, Chandran Oad, Aligarh Alumni Association, Dubey’s Literature of Arts, Photography Services, Udipi. Media Supporters: Indians in Atlanta, NRI Pulse, Khabar, Atlanta Dunia, Rashtra Darpan. Special thanks to Madan Ghildiyal from Indian Consulate Atlanta.
Dhoop Chaoon Theater Group performed throughout 2023, including events such as the International Hindi celebration at the Consulate of India, Bajam-E-Adab literary program, AABAHA art and theater festival, Aadhe Adhure play performances, a theater workshop with Bollywood actors, and participation in Diwali celebrations.
The group will perform in Nashville on January 27th, presenting “Baap re Baap” written by K.P. Saxena.
