Hunkaro- Three powerful interwoven tales of hope in the midst of unrelenting turmoil

“What is deeper than the oceans, heavier than the Earth, brighter than the Sun and immortal as the gods? Hope.”  

Mohit Takalkar's play Hunkaro presents a masterful fusion of storytelling and psychophysical acting, resulting in a captivating theatrical experience that delves into the depths of hope amidst despair. One of the TOP 10 plays to be staged at the 18th edition META, the play comprises three interwoven tales that offer a poignant commentary on the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit.

The first tale, narrated in Marwadi, delves into the renowned Rajasthani writer, Vijaydan Detha's story Asha Amar Dhan, which portrays the plight of a destitute farmer and his second wife who abandon their children in the hopes of finding work. The couple clings to hope, the wife hoping that the next year will bring better fortune, while the husband hopes for someone to rescue their children. The children themselves hold on to the hope that evening will not fall until their parents return home. The gripping narrative raises the question- Whose hope will prevail?

The second story, Gidhh by Chirag Khandelwal, is a lyrical account of a worker’s journey back home during the mass migration of Covid-19. His only companion on this treacherous journey is a strange entity, half-vulture-half crow, representing both the survival instinct and the looming spectre of death. Finally, in Maai by Arvind Charan, two brothers, Birju and Mandu, return to their native village, leaving their physically-challenged mother behind. A year later, with new dreams in their eyes, they return to Mumbai. The guilt and the relentless hope they carry is the crux of this compelling play.

Performed in Marwadi, Awadhi, Hindi and Haryanvi, Hunkaro demands active audience participation, inviting the listener to acknowledge their engagement through “Hunkaro”  affirmation, while journeying alongside the story. Takalkar's message is clear: in a world where we are inundated with visual stimulation, we often forget the importance of listening. By telling stories without relying on conventional expressions, elaborate props and extensive dramatisation, the play drives the audience to rediscover the power of listening. 

Witness this compelling play, along with nine other critically-acclaimed productions, at the 18th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards and Festival from 23rd-29th March at Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre in New Delhi. Book your tickets now: https://in.bookmyshow.com/plays/mahindra-excellence-in-theatre-awards-and-festival/ET00354084