LSS brings “Jo Dooba So Paar” Musical Dastangoi on life and times of Ameer Khusrau

Ludhiana, March 22, 2023: Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam (LSS) is re-entering the stage for performing arts in Ludhiana keeping in view of enlightening of younger generation about our rich heritage and culture.

Addressing the press conference here on Wednesday, Sunil Kant Munjal, President; Ashim Nagpal, Program Secretary; Gaurav Sehgal, General Secretary; and Sanjay Gupta of LSS added as we learn to adapt and live with newer and mercifully milder strains of the Covid-19 virus, Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam is re-entering the stage for performing arts in Ludhiana; has always taken pride in the quality, consistency, and impact of its programmes, and though ours is purely a voluntary initiative, we have, in many ways, exceeded our own expectations and that of others. Sunil Kant Munjal addressed the media through video conferencing.
 
They added LSS has now reached its third decade. This is quite a remarkable feat but more importantly, these programmes have given this city's well-wishers a chance to become a part of an incredible journey; one that has helped an essentially business-minded and commercially oriented city reconnect with its cultural soul.

Further, they said this time we are delighted to bring "Jo Dooba So Paar" Musical Dastangoi on the life and times of Ameer Khusrau. Written and Directed by Ajitesh Gupta and Mohit Agarwal being performed by a team of 18 artists from different parts of the country on 24th of March at 7.30 pm at Guru Nanak Bhawan, Ferozepur Road, Ludhiana. This will be the 119th show of LSS.

Adding, they said "Jo Dooba So Paar" throws light on the fact that Ameer Khusrau was his relationship with his Guru Nizamuddin Auliya and the advent of Qawwali through them. The interesting anecdotes and tales woven in a Daastaan accompanied with live Qawwali Singing give insight about the essence of Sufism and the importance of the eternally relevant message of love among humankind.

“We endeavour at LSS not only to bring the best of performing art we also try to explain to our members the relevance of performance. Jo Dooba is a program dedicated to Amir Khusro 13th century poet who gave prominence to Hindavi over Persian, the then court language. He introduced Gazals and is in real terms father of Qawali”, they said. 

How many of us know that Zihale E miski Soonai deti hai ziski dhadkan of Film Gulami is Amir Khusaro creation Or Bahut kathin hai dagar panghat kee Or for that matter Aaz rang hai are immortal Khusro created. At best we know Chhap Tilak sab Chhini though some of us know ghungroo toot gaye. This is the LSS dedication to Amir Khusaro.

For Jo Dooba So Paar, they also have a team of good singers and live musicians, who bring energy to the story of a Turkish-Indian child prodigy destined for greatness. Since the format is that of seated story-telling, some variety is brought into the performance by having multiple actors voice Khusrau's lines, and other characters; there is also the foot-tapping music, with timeless songs like Chaap Tilak and Aaj Rang Hai.

There is a fair amount of published material on the 13th century poet-scholar-mystic, plus the stories passed down in an oral tradition. Born Abu'l Hasan Yamiduddin Khusrau in 1253 in the village of Patiyali in Uttar Pradesh, as a child, he had the famed ability to create a poem on the spot from four words given to him.

His proud father wanted him to get an education in Delhi, but died before he could take him there. His mother fulfilled her husband's wish, which is how young Yamiduddin landed on the doorstep of Harzat Nizamuddin Auliya, who became his pir, lifelong inspiration. The Sufi influence of Ajmer's saint-mystic Moinuddin Chishti also found its way into his writings

Duration of the performance will be 90 minutes without an interval.

MUST KNOW 
Ajitesh Gupta: An actor & singer, an active theatre performer. Has worked with eminent directors like Rjjit Kapur, Atul Kumar, Gulzar Sahab, Salim Arif, Gopal Dutta, Manav Kaul.... He is also a classically trained singer, and has a knack for literature & history. Also worked in several Bollywood movies in primary roles...

Mohit Agarwal: A theater actor and musician. Has been part of the Mumbai Theatre circuit for 7 years and has worked with various known directors.

Performers: Ajitesh Gupta, Mohit Agarwal, Ratandeep. Jitendra, Ashish, Partik, Rigved, Sonakshi, Manasi, Snigdha Pious & Team