If Sarah Ruhl were to watch a production of DIL KA HAAL SUNE DILWALA, she would probably not recognize it as her play DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE.
Keeping the bare bones of the plot, Chirag Khandelwal's adaptation is a joyous Bollywood style confection, with the protagonist named Asha Parekh, after the yesteryear star. Asha (Dilnaz Irani) comes from Surat to Mumbai to become an actress, and her movie fandom allows director Mohit Takalkar to install a live band on stage to belt out songs that go with Asha's strange adventures.
Ruhl's 2007 play (that won the Helen Hayes Award) was about isolation even in a crowded city, and the dead man's cell phone becoming a catalyst for the change in Asha's dreary existence. It is not as straightforward as it sounds, because Takalkar makes it absurd and playful, with the live orchestra chipping in with gusto. It's an Aadyam production, so there's no stinting on production values. Takalkar, known for his serious, experimental work, has fun with this one, and the entire team lets their imagination run wild and keeps their energy high.
Dilnaz Irani (some reason given a drab costume), plays Asha first timidly and then as the character grows in confidence, acquires the requisite poise. She is supported by an equally enthusiastic cast, who look like they are enjoying themselves as much as the audience.
Mohit Takalkar has written a piece in the brochure about his love for Hindi film music, ("before I knew how to understand my own feelings, someone had already written them for me") that speaks on behalf of all music lovers.
Deepa Gahlot is a journalist, columnist, author and curator. Some of her writings are on deepagahlot.com
