Aazaad Parindey’s ‘Sakharam Binder’ Offers a Raw, Unflinching Look into Human Complexity
Directed by Mohit Singh Chib, the Dogri adaptation of Vijay Tendulkar’s classic play captivated the Jammu audience with its powerful performances and profound social commentary.
Jammu, November 29, 2025: The stage at Abhinav Theatre came alive with a raw and unsettling exploration of human nature as Aazaad Parindey Kala Manch presented the Dogri play “Sakharam Binder” on Saturday evening. Staged as part of the ongoing Saptahik Rangdhara theatre series organized by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the production left the audience in profound contemplation with its unflinching look at societal hypocrisy, gender dynamics, and survival
Originally penned by the iconic playwright Vijay Tendulkar and masterfully adapted into Dogri by Shiv Mehta, the play delves into the life of its titular character, a bookbinder who provides shelter to women cast out by society. His home operates on a transactional basis: he offers food and security in exchange for domestic and conjugal duties, establishing a system that defiantly stands outside conventional morality.
Under the insightful design and direction of Mohit Singh Chib, the production transcended mere storytelling to become a deep psychological study. Chib, a theatre artist with 19 years of experience, chose to peel back the layers of Sakharam’s abrasive exterior. “When I read the play, I felt that Sakharam is not the kind of man the story first appears to show,” Chib explained in his directorial note. “There is a hidden pain behind his way of living. To me, Sakharam is a broken man. His abusive language is not his true nature — it is the pain that has accumulated inside him.” He aptly views the character as a “binder” who, in his own flawed way, holds together the lives of women society has discarded.
The cast delivered performances that were both powerful and poignant. Veteran actor Janak Khajuria embodied the complex role of Sakharam, skillfully navigating the character’s explosive anger and moments of unexpected vulnerability. Renu Sharma portrayed Laxmi with a quiet grace and deep emotion, bringing a resilient dignity to the religiously devout woman who enters Sakharam’s life. In stark contrast, Partiksha Sharma commanded the stage as Champa, the fiery and unapologetic second woman, delivering a bold and intense performance. They were ably supported by Vivek Sangotra as Dawood and Manoj Dhamir Shami as Hawaldar Shinda, who were competent in their roles. The ensemble, including Manoj, Damir, Saksham, and Ankit, further solidified the production’s impact.
The seamless execution of the play was a testament to the dedicated production team. The evocative set, designed by Mohit Singh Chib and Saksham, along with the nuanced lighting by Sunil Sharma and compelling music by Ankit, created an immersive atmosphere. The production was managed by Sandeep Verma, with properties handled by Aman Verma, costumes by Renu Sharma and Partiksha Sharma, and makeup by Manoj Dhamir Shami.
Following the impactful performance, the entire group was felicitated by Dr. Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head of JKAACL Jammu, and Anil Tickoo, Assistant Cultural Officer, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to theatre in the region. The powerful presentation of “Sakharam Binder” not only highlighted the enduring relevance of Tendulkar’s work but also marked another significant achievement for Aazaad Parindey Kala Manch, reinforcing the vitality of contemporary Dogri theatre.
