Vemedh’s ‘Ek Aur Birbal’ Captivates Jammu with a Powerful Saga of Historical Courage

Jammu, July 24, 2025: Despite being staged multiple times to critical acclaim, the demand for Vomedh Rangmanch’s historical epic, “Ek Aur Birbal,” remains undiminished, a fact proven yet again today as a jampacked Abhinav Theatre was left spellbound by a performance that powerfully mirrors the historical fortitude and contemporary dilemmas of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The repertory project by Vemedh, met with thunderous applause, has once again sparked requests from various organizations for re-stagings, cementing its place as a landmark theatrical production.

Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages MS Harvinder Kour, JKAS was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Penned by the acclaimed Rakesh Roshan Bhat, “Ek Aur Birbal” is more than just a play; it is the resurrection of a pivotal yet often overlooked hero from the annals of Kashmiri history. Set against the backdrop of the oppressive 19th-century Afghan Durrani rule in Kashmir, the drama meticulously traces the courageous journey of Pandit Birbal Dhar. The play brilliantly captures his strategic wisdom and immense personal sacrifice; including leaving his own son as a guarantee; as he embarks on a perilous mission to beseech Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to liberate Kashmir. It showcases how, when faced with the agonizing choices of conversion, death, or flight, Birbal Dhar chose a fourth, more audacious path: to fight back with intellect and foresight, ultimately ensuring the integration of the Kashmir valley into the larger Indian dominion through the Sikh empire.

Under the masterful direction of Rohit Bhat, the narrative was brought to life with profound depth and emotional intensity. The historical atmosphere was magnificently recreated through the evocative music composed by Dr. Kuldeep Swadeshi and the stunning, period-appropriate set designed by the celebrated artist Virji Sumbly.

The cast delivered powerhouse performances that were the soul of the production. Jatinder Jotshi embodied the formidable Azim Khan, while Rahul Kilam delivered a commanding performance as the protagonist, Pt. Birbal Dhar. Arvin Tickoo shone as Pt. Mirza Kak, and senior journalist and artist King C Bharati was compelling as Pt. Bassa Ram. The ensemble was brilliantly supported by Vinay Pandita as Pt. Sukh Ram, Shazi Khan as Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ajay Baba as Anwar Khan, Himagani Moza as Birbal’s Wife, Kamakshya Dogra as Raja Kak, Supriya Pandita as Raj Kak’s Wife, and Shammi Dhamir as Phool Singh, with Shashank Singh Rajput and Jang Bahadur Khan adding to the dramatic tension as fighters.

The seamless execution of this grand production was a testament to the dedicated backstage team. The play was written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat, with powerful narration by Kamal Razdan. The musical score was by Dr. Kuldeep Swadeshi and direction by Rohit Bhat, with set design by Virji Sumbly. Costumes were meticulously handled by Bharti Kaul, properties by Sushma Kumari, lights by Pankaj Sharma, and sound by Lokesh. Makeup was skillfully applied by Shammi Dhamir. The complex hall management was efficiently handled by Tara Chand, Vimal, Arun, Rinku Jamwal, Sheetal, Purvi Kalsi, Neha Sharma, and Tushar Sharma.