Directed by Munni Devi, the Bhojpuri production blends a socially relevant narrative with folk music and regional cultural traditions
Lucknow, 26 October 2026: Anadi Sanskritik, Shaikshik Evam Samajik Sanstha, Lucknow, staged the Bhojpuri play ‘Pardhanin’ at Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, with support from the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, under the aegis of Purabi Bayar and Zameen Apni Aasman Mera. Based on an original story by Saroj Singh and adapted for the stage by Manorma Srivastav and Mahesh Chandra Gupt ‘Mahesh’, the production was directed by Munni Devi.
The production drew inspiration from Dr. Dayanand Lal, a former IAS officer. Creative Head Aditya Mishra handled production and creative coordination, with Rangyatra serving as the event’s Media Partner.
‘Pardhanin’ tells the story of a woman whose sacrifices enable her husband to pursue higher education despite financial hardship, while she shoulders family responsibilities and cares for an elderly father. Her dedication helps him rise to the position of a judge. Influenced by his newfound status and affluent social surroundings, however, he marries again and turns his back on his wife, village and family.
Left to raise a young child amid social and economic adversity, she refuses to give up. Through determination, optimism and a commitment to public service, she becomes the village head. By implementing government schemes with integrity and dedication, she transforms her village into a model village and becomes an inspiration to other village leaders. Within the play’s narrative, her contribution also earns recognition from the President of India.
Rooted in Bhojpuri language and folk music, the production brought women’s empowerment, rural leadership and social responsibility into focus while celebrating regional culture and traditions.
Distinguished guests included Indu Bhushan Pandey and Kamlesh Kumar Gupta, Additional Director General, Doordarshan. Also present were Pawan Singh Chauhan, Member of the Legislative Council; Prabhunath Rai; Sarvesh Asthana; Dr. Purnima Pandey; Sudhir Mishra, Editor-in-Chief, Navbharat Times; Santosh Srivastav; former district judge Ramesh Srivastav; and senior historian Ravi Bhatt.
The cast delivered strong performances and featured Mahesh Chandra Gupt ‘Mahesh’, Anshika Saxena, Gyaneshwer Mishra ‘Gyani’, Gurudutt Pandey, Mukul Kumar, Suraj Kumar, Aditya Shakya, Anil Kumar, Rohit Kumar Saroj, Nirupama Gupta, Lata Bajpai, Suruchi Saxena, Reema Verma and Rajnandini Verma.
Lighting was handled by Tamal Bose, with sound coordination and operation by Aditya Kumar Sharma. Lyrics and male vocals were by Mahesh Chandra Gupt ‘Mahesh’, and female vocals were by Anita Mishra. Lavanya Bajpai handled presentation control, while Sankalp Shukla managed publicity.