CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the fourth day of Vishwarang 2025, a special cultural evening was organized under the “Uttar-Rang” program at the Ravindra Bhavan campus. Two exceptional performances of music and theatre captivated the audience with deep emotion. The evening began with Satvani singing and concluded with the grand mega-play “Ahilya Rūpeṇa Saṁsthitā,” based on the life of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.

The Satvani singing presented by Rajeev Singh and his team immersed the listeners in Sufi and folk hues. The performance began with the composition “Saanson Ki Mala…” followed by soulful renditions like “Man Lago Mero Yaar Fakiri Mein…”, “Kahe Ko Byahi Bides…”, “Jugni Kehti Ya…” and “Duniya Mein Badshah Hai Woh Bhi Hai Aadmi Muflison…” filling the auditorium with musical devotion. The lead vocals were performed by Rajeev Singh, accompanied by Aman Malik and Rohit Wankhede. Hanif Hussain played the sarangi, Tanishq Thakur the dholak, Shahnawaz the tabla, Iqbal Khan the octopad, and Shahid Masoom the keyboard, making the presentation vibrant and impactful.

Mega Play on Ahilyabai Holkar at Ravindra Bhavan Auditorium

Ahilyabai, renowned for her service to society and mastery in warfare, was honored with the title Lokmata for her sense of justice and compassion toward her people.

At the Anjani Auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan, a grand theatrical presentation showcased the life, contribution, and glory of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. Focused on the life philosophy of Ahilyabai—known for justice, compassion, and exemplary governance—the play was directed by Priyanka Shakti Thakur and written by senior litterateur Dr. Sadhana Balwate. Organized under Vishwarang, the play beautifully depicted Ahilyabai’s life values through remarkable performances by the artists. With a duration of about 120 minutes, the play featured around 30 actors who enacted different scenes portraying various aspects of Ahilyabai’s life.

80 Artists Participated in the Mega Production

A total of 80 artists performed in this nearly two-hour mega play, presenting the 18th-century heroine’s life journey, judicial system, governance, valor, and achievements with precision. The coordinated light-and-sound effects enhanced the impact of the performance. Notably, director Priyanka Shakti Thakur herself appeared in the role of Ahilyabai.

Key Contributions Brought to Life Through Acting

Across 24 scenes, the play vividly portrayed Ahilyabai’s political, social, and religious contributions. These included young Ahilya’s devotion to Lord Shiva, Malharrao Holkar’s decision to involve her in administration, Ahilya’s just rule, her emergence as a warrior, her role as Lokmata, and her efforts toward social upliftment, economic development, temple restoration, ghat construction, annakshetra (food centers), and public drinking water facilities. Each aspect was presented with meticulous detail.

Scenes Depicting Her Journey from Childhood to Final Moments

The mega play depicted Ahilyabai’s journey from her childhood to her active role in social service, mastery in warfare, ability to lead her family, and her administrative brilliance. It illustrated how Ahilya, born in Maharashtra, came to the Holkar kingdom after marriage, and how she remained steadfast despite challenges faced by the family. Revering Lord Shiva as her divine guide, she took charge of the kingdom’s administration. The play progressed through these significant episodes and concluded with people honoring Ahilyabai as Lokmata for her contributions, competence, and sense of justice.

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