Bollywood’s veteran actors enthralled LPU students on World Theatre Day

Jalandhar, April 1, 2024: The School of Journalism & Film Production and Performing Arts at Lovely Professional University (LPU) organized a master-piece Hindi play "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai" at Shanti Devi Mittal Auditorium of the university. It starred Bollywood’s renowned veteran actors Rajendra Gupta as Dr Bhullar and Himani Shivpuri as Sarita Sharma.

Adapted from famous Russian playwright Aleksei Arbuzov’s play ‘Old World’, which was set in post-World War II USSR; this Hindi adaptation is uniquely set in contemporary Mumbai City of India. It was directed by the legendary director Suresh Bhardwaj.

In the opening scene, lady actor Sarita Sharma is at a seaside health centre to recover and revive; however, according to the head of the centre- Dr Bhullar there was hardly anything wrong with her physically. Deftly woven later episodes of the play took the LPU audience of students and staff members on a scenic and amusing journey of these two characters.

The fiery exchanges between these contrasting characters create much laughter, but as events unfold both struggle to cope with personal losses. Both the characters solemnly displayed warmth and gentle humour, and the mutual growth of liking to lasting affection between two lonely people. The play is also about ageing —the necessity for old folks to live for themselves well. The talented team of light, sound, set and costume designers also created a perfect “old-world” charm.

While honouring the Bollywood actors, LPU Pro Chancellor Rashmi Mittal encouraged all at different wings of the School of Journalism & Film Production to imbibe every aspect of the related industry in Mumbai.

In fact, with minimal props, the designer sets up a pretty garden scene, a cheery café, the outside of a dining restaurant, an ICU and other scenes. These were enhanced by appropriate lighting. The designer dressed up the characters in clothes that reflect their personalities, at times. Also, the best sound design unfolded indoors and outdoors in different weather conditions.

Top-ranked LPU’s Schools of Journalism & Film Production and Performing Arts have cutting-edge curricula with input from industry experts. These possess infrastructure of industry standards with spacious studios and professional equipment. Students learn multitasking by working as composers, designers, recorders, audio and video editors, cinematographers, actors and directors. Students visit well-designed studios and film festivals to interact with industry celebrities, and professionals and get exposure. Sometimes back, Bollywood’s Ace Director Mahesh Bhatt was also at LPU for the staging of his play, ‘Baat Niklegi Toh’, where he also interacted illustratively with Journalism students.