A stirring theatrical experience: Play ‘Budhni’ leaves audiences moved, written by Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma //

Silchar once again witnessed the power of theatre on Sunday evening, when the Silchar Cultural Unit staged Budhni at Banga Bhawan under the “This Month’s Play” initiative of the Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan, Cachar district committee.

Written and directed by the region’s veteran theatre personality, Shekhar Deb Roy, the play proved to be a deeply moving retelling of a forgotten chapter in India’s history.

Based on real events, Budhni captures the tragedy of a tribal woman’s life whose fate was sealed by a single act of innocence. In 1959, Budhni garlanded then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the inauguration of a dam in Jharkhand. What could have been a moment of pride instead brought her untold misery—ostracism from her community and the shattering of her personal life. On stage, this story of cruelty, social stigma, and resilience found a voice that was both haunting and unforgettable.

At the heart of the production was Shreejani Deb’s brilliant performance as Budhni, which left the audience spellbound. She portrayed the character with remarkable sensitivity, shifting effortlessly between vulnerability and strength. Her expressions and body language carried the weight of Budhni’s silent suffering, making the role memorable.

Shekhar Deb Roy is pure magic on stage, breathing life into every character he portrays. In Budhni, he embodies Ravan Majhi with remarkable depth and conviction. He is superb. He was terrific in both happy and sad moments.

Equally powerful were the supporting performances. Samarendra Deb as Budhua delivered a raw, emotional portrayal. He did not just act the part—he became the character, expressing helplessness with extraordinary conviction.

Anirban Roy as Nirjhar, an investigative journalist, lent the story its moral anchor. Shekhar Deb Roy stood out with a commanding stage presence.

I was eagerly waiting for the entry of Jawaharlal Nehru. Robin Deb’s depiction of Jawaharlal Nehru brought authenticity to the historical moment. He was terrific (of course he had a red rose).

Notable performances by Swapan Dasgupta, Saibal Gupta, Monojit Routh, Prashanta Bhattacharjee, Rajib Bhattacharjee, Shibasish Chakraborty, Sujit Sutradhar, Nilima Deb, and Ajapa Dhar added depth to the ensemble, ensuring no character was left unnoticed. The narrative takes shape as she introduces Budhni’s life to Nirjhar.

The production was further elevated by the vibrant dance sequences by Krishna Paul, Pratima Deb, Ananya Suklabaidya, and Swapnokatha Dutta, which infused the narrative with rhythm and cultural texture. The technical crew also deserve special mention: Debajyoti Roy’s lighting design painted the stage with mood and meaning, while Sebayan Roy Choudhury’s sound design heightened the tension of critical moments. Samarendra Deb’s make-up artistry, Ajapa Dhar’s set decoration, and Narayan Sarkar’s stage design created a visually compelling backdrop that complemented the story’s emotional core.

Altogether, Budhni was more than just a play—it was a reminder of theatre’s ability to confront social injustice while stirring empathy in audiences. With its gripping storyline, layered performances, and thoughtful production design, the evening became a celebration of meaningful theatre.

In the end, Budhni was not only a triumph for the Silchar Cultural Unit but also a fitting tribute to the resilience of forgotten voices in history.

Silchar Cultural Unit, take a bow!