Shows
Naatak RadioNautanki Shehzaadi rehearsal recording (Sultana Daku)Send us a textNaatak presents SULTANA DAKUSep 6-28 2025www.naatak.orgSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.
2025-08-1503 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan (2024) - Original Sound TrackSend us a textPresenting the much awaited soundtrack of Naatak's 110th production: Vrindavan!These songs are recorded live during VRINDAVAN's staging in September 2024. VRINDAVAN is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, told through humor and wit, the bhajans of Meera Bai and the grace of classical Kathak. Inspired by a real life incident. Play Credits:Written and Directed by Sujit SarafOriginal lyrics by Sujit SarafProducer and Dance Choreographed by Soumya Agastya
2024-10-1236 min
Naatak RadioSher (शेर) by Asgar Wajahat (असग़र वजाहत)Send us a textThis week on Naatak Radio presenting a symbolic and satirical short story by Asghar Wajahat. In a tale probably belonging in the Panchtantra style of story-telling, but reminiscent of The Animal Farm, we hear of a jungle where animals willingly enter a lion's open mouth. Why are they doing this? And what happens when someone tries to question this system forms the basis of this short story. What's really impressive in this story is how a really powerful message is delivered in
2024-09-0605 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan: Naee JaaoonSend us a textPresenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Naee Jaaoon, presented as a Meera Bhajan, a widow pleads to not be asked to leave Vrindavan as she wants to devote herself to her one and only true love. About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Benga...
2024-09-0603 min
Naatak RadioALMAARI by Anshu JohriSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, Anshu Johri's ALMAARI. A touching tale of an inanimate piece of furniture that brings memories alive! Background music: Sparsh Johri. ALMAARI is written by Anshu Johri and is a story from her recent collection of stories: Adrishya Kinara. Adrishya Kinara is available on Amazon Kindle, Audible, and Applebooks. Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on o...
2024-08-3116 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan: Ranaji Mharo Mard MaryoSend us a textPresenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Ranaji Mharo Mard Maryo, presented as a Meera bhajan, we hear the widows talking about only wanting to live in Vrindavan and devote themselves to Krishna now that they've lost their husband.About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the...
2024-08-3003 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan: Saat Janam Ke PhereSend us a textPresenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Saat Janam ke Phere, we hear a typical Bollywood song that could have featured in any of the movies featuring the actors that the widows talk about. About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mama...
2024-08-1603 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan: Bindraban Mhaaro SasuraalSend us a textPresenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Bindraban Mhaaro the widows are proclaiming that Vrindavan is now where they belong. About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini.This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City...
2024-08-0904 min
Naatak RadioA Face in the Dark by Ruskin BondSend us a textNaatak Radio is back! And we are back with a classic from one of India's most prominent short story writer Ruskin Bond. This also happens to be our 100th episode!! Here's to many more. A Face in the Dark is a tale of Mr. Oliver, a school teacher in Simla, and his rather strange encounter on his walk back to town via the forest.Performed by Vikas Dhurka. Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever yo...
2024-08-0304 min
Naatak RadioSongs from Naatak's VRINDAVAN (वृंदावन)Send us a textPresenting songs from Naatak's VRINDAVAN.About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini.This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in which 12 feisty widows live in raucous celebration until a Bollywood actress arrives to disrupt their live...
2024-08-0238 min
Naatak RadioVrindavan: Saavan BeetyoSend us a textPresenting the first song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Saavan Beetyo the Vrindavan widows are preparing for Janmashtami.About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini.This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in whic...
2024-08-0204 min
Naatak RadioBabul Mora - Shatranj ke KhiladiSend us a textLyrics : Wajid Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh, 1847 to 1856Vocals - Prathamesh Kamat, Ritesh NayakAdapted for Shatranj ke Khiladi Naatak's 104th productionJune9 - Jun18, 2023Written by Munshi PremchandAdaptation: Ritwik Verma and Anush MoorthyDirected by Anush MoorthyProduced by Dhananjay Motwanihttps://www.naatak.org/2023-shatranj/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our...
2023-06-0201 minNaatak RadioDikhaate Hain Jo - Shatranj ke Khiladi OSTSend us a textMusic Composition - Anitha DixitLyrics : Wajid Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh, 1847 to 1856Vocals - Anitha DixitBansuri (flute) - Arjun BharadwajTabla - Hemanth HariharanOriginal sound track from Shatranj ke Khiladi Naatak's 104th productionJune9 - Jun18, 2023Written by Munshi PremchandAdaptation: Ritwik Verma and Anush MoorthyDirected by Anush MoorthyProduced by Dhananjay Motwanihttps://www.naatak.org/2023-shatranj/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Po...
2023-05-2002 minNaatak RadioChuraaye Kaahe Kanha - Shatranj ke Khiladi OSTSend us a textMusic Composition and Vocals - Anitha DixitLyrics : Ritwik VermaOriginal sound track from Shatranj ke Khiladi Naatak's 104th productionJune9 - Jun18, 2023Written by Munshi PremchandAdaptation: Ritwik Verma and Anush MoorthyDirected by Anush MoorthyProduced by Dhananjay Motwanihttps://www.naatak.org/2023-shatranj/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library o...
2023-05-1003 min
Naatak RadioRamayan - Jaya Kripa KandaSend us a textMusic composer: Nachiketa YakkundiVocalists: Nachiketa Yakkundi, Anitha Dixit, Amit Shenoy, Savitha Gayathri, Ambhranee Yakkundi, Surya Saraf, Tanmayi RaoInstrumentalists: Ajay Sundar Raj (tabla), Prasanna Rajan (flute), Ambhranee Yakkundi and Tanmayi Rao (harmonium)This song is part of Ramayan - the grand musicalNaatak's 100th productionSep 4 - 25 2022Based on the Ramcharitmanas by TulsidasStage adaptation and Direction: Sujit SarafProducer and dance director: Soumya AgastyaMusic director: Nachiketa YakkundiSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio o...
2022-09-0800 min
Naatak RadioRamayan - KaamakotiSend us a textMusic composer: Nachiketa YakkundiVocalists: Nachiketa Yakkundi, Anitha Dixit, Amit Shenoy, Savitha Gayathri, Ambhranee Yakkundi, Surya Saraf, Tanmayi RaoInstrumentalists: Ajay Sundar Raj (tabla), Prasanna Rajan (flute), Ambhranee Yakkundi and Tanmayi Rao (harmonium)This song is part of Ramayan - the grand musicalNaatak's 100th productionSep 4 - 25 2022Based on the Ramcharitmanas by TulsidasStage adaptation and Direction: Sujit SarafProducer and dance director: Soumya AgastyaMusic director: Nachiketa YakkundiSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio o...
2022-09-0801 min
Naatak RadioRamayan - Sita SwayamvarSend us a textMusic composer: Nachiketa YakkundiVocalists: Nachiketa Yakkundi, Anitha Dixit, Amit Shenoy, Savitha Gayathri, Ambhranee Yakkundi, Surya Saraf, Tanmayi RaoInstrumentalists: Ajay Sundar Raj (tabla), Prasanna Rajan (flute), Ambhranee Yakkundi and Tanmayi Rao (harmonium)This song is part of Ramayan - the grand musicalNaatak's 100th productionSep 4 - 25 2022Based on the Ramcharitmanas by TulsidasStage adaptation and Direction: Sujit SarafProducer and dance director: Soumya AgastyaMusic director: Nachiketa YakkundiSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio o...
2022-09-0802 min
Naatak RadioDastaan-e-Chatta-SatoonSend us a textMusic Composition: Anitha DixitLyrics: Vikram RamanarayananTabla: Ajay Sundar RajHarmonium: Surya SarafVocals: Anitha Dixit, Ritwik Verma, Prathamesh Kamat, Sujit Saraf, Ritesh Nayak, Savitha Gayathri, Surya Saraf, Vikram RamanarayananThis song is a part of The 6th Pillar - Naatak's 99th Production, Written andDirected by Vikram RamanarayananJuly23-Aug7, 2022https://www.naatak.org/2022-thesixthpillar/Daastaan-e-Chhataa-Satoon (The Tale of The Sixth Pillar)Saraab-e-jannat mein masroof they hum So engrossed in the mirage of p...
2022-07-2802 min
Naatak RadioNamo Namo He GajavadanaSend us a textMusic composition and vocals: Anitha Dixit, Ritesh NayakGuitar: Bidan SinhaTabla: Ajay Sundar RajLyrics: by Ritwik VermaThis song is part of Hayavadan - the grand musicalNaatak's 98th productionJun 12-25 2022Written by Girish KarnadDirected by Harish Agastyahttps://www.naatak.org/2022-hayavadan/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on...
2022-06-1101 min
Naatak RadioShastra Vaar - Hayavadan OSTSend us a textMusic composition and vocals: Anitha Dixit, Ritesh NayakGuitar: Bidan SinhaTabla: Ajay Sundar RajLyrics: by Ritwik VermaThis song is part of Hayavadan - the grand musicalNaatak's 98th productionJun 12-25 2022Written by Girish KarnadDirected by Harish Agastyahttps://www.naatak.org/2022-hayavadan/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on...
2022-05-2001 min
Naatak RadioPankh Khole - Hayavadan OSTSend us a textMusic composition and vocals: Anitha DixitHarmonium: Bidan SinhaTabla: Ajay Sundar RajLyrics: by Ritwik VermaThis song is part of Hayavadan - the grand musicalNaatak's 98th productionJun 12-25 2022Written by Girish KarnadDirected by Harish Agastyahttps://www.naatak.org/2022-hayavadan/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100...
2022-05-1702 min
Naatak RadioMere Pyare Katputli - Hayavadan OSTSend us a textMusic composition and vocals: Anitha DixitGuitar: Bidan SinhaTabla: Ajay Sundar RajLyrics: by Ritwik VermaThis song is part of Hayavadan - the grand musicalNaatak's 98th productionJun 12-25 2022Written by Girish KarnadDirected by Harish Agastyahttps://www.naatak.org/2022-hayavadan/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website...
2022-05-1701 min
Naatak RadioBaandhein Is Pyar Ko Kyon - Hayavadan OSTSend us a textMusic composition and vocals: Anitha DixitGuitar: Bidan SinhaTabla: Ajay Sundar RajLyrics: by Ritwik VermaThis song is part of Hayavadan - the grand musicalNaatak's 98th productionJun 12-25 2022Written by Girish KarnadDirected by Harish Agastyahttps://www.naatak.org/2022-hayavadan/Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website...
2022-05-1401 min
Naatak RadioSong 4: Megh Umadkar, from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHAPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique outdoor experience in the shade of...
2021-08-3002 min
Naatak RadioSong 3: Jamudweep from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park; BUDDHAPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique outdoor experience in the shade of...
2021-08-3003 min
Naatak RadioSong 2: Baisakh Ki Purnima; from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHAPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique outdoor experience in the shade of...
2021-08-3002 min
Naatak RadioSong 1: Antim Pravrajya from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHAPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique outdoor experience in the shade of...
2021-08-3001 min
Naatak RadioSong 2: Baisakh Ki Purnima; from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHASend us a textPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique...
2021-08-2702 min
Naatak RadioSong 1: Antim Pravrajya from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHASend us a textPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique...
2021-08-2701 min
Naatak RadioSong 3: Jamudweep from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park; BUDDHASend us a textPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique...
2021-08-2703 min
Naatak RadioSong 4: Megh Umadkar, from Naatak's Grand Musical in a Park: BUDDHASend us a textPresenting songs from Naatak’s GRAND MUSICAL, BUDDHA! Naatak’s annual musical is set in the sixth century BCE and written entirely in rhyme. The Shakya prince Siddharth leaves his father’s palace, attains enlightenment under a peepal tree to become Buddha, roams the kingdoms of Magadh and Kaushal to persuade the world, and alters the course of human history. The play features an ensemble cast, live music and dance. With a giant mural for a set, colorful costumes and imaginative props, the play is a visual treat, and a unique...
2021-08-2702 min
Naatak RadioGulzar's Sunset Boulevard; performed by Sareeka MalhotraSend us a text18th August 2021 is India's most famous lyricist, poet, writer, screenwriter, and director's Gulzar's 87th birthday. To celebrate Gulzar saab's legacy, Naatak Radio presents SUNSET BOULEVARD, from his story collection Raavi Paar. About the story:An unexpected visitor to her mansion gives hope to a lonely movie actress past her prime. Performed by: Sareeka MalhotraSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 ep...
2021-08-1811 min
Naatak Radioबेनाम रिश्ता by Mridula Sinha; performed by Vaishali KoliSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, presenting Mridula Sinha's heart touching short story: BENAAM RISHTA. Chitra takes up Shaligram's invitation for his daughter's wedding knowing fully well that this time her special bond with him from years ago will have to be made public. Performed by: Vaishali KoliMaithili Wedding Song:शुभे शुभ के लगनवा || Maithili Vivah Geet || Shubhe Shubh Ke Laganva || Nitu Pathakएल्बम - Vivah geetगायक - Nitu Pathakनिर्माता- Krishan Kumar ChoudharySupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your po...
2021-07-1116 min
Naatak Radioदिल्ली की सैर by Rashid Jahan, performed by Namita ChaubalSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, presenting Rashid Jahan's Dilli Ki Sair. A forerunner among a cohort of young, female, Urdu short story writers in the 1930s and 40s, Rashid Jahan - doctor and a political activist, is credited with freeing the tongues and pens of several generations of writers that followed, including the great Ismat Chugtai who considers Rashid Jahan as a literary mentor. “She spoilt me because she was very bold and used to speak all sorts of things openly and loudly, and I just wanted to copy her,” Chughtai would later writ...
2021-07-0406 min
Naatak Radioचित्र का शीर्षक by Yashpal performed by Anup Kumar SinghSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, presenting "Chitra ka Shirshak" or "The painting's title" by Yashpal. Jayraj, a famous landscape painter, wants to paint human beings and is full of hope when his friend's wife visits him. But things don't quite turn out the way he expected. The author beautifully weaves the two stories together with the final reveal of what the title of the painting ends up being. Performed by: Anup Kumar SinghYashpal (3 December 1903 – 26 December 1976) was a Hindi-language author, who is sometimes considered to be in th...
2021-06-2719 min
Naatak RadioParde Mein Rehne Do Parda Na Uthao; a hilarious radio playSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, presenting George Bernard Shaw's classic "How He Lied to Her Husband" in Hindi. A married woman and her lover get into a pickle with her husband and then get out of it.Performed by:Snehal Pachigar,Ekta Brahmakshatri, Sanju PancholiAdapted by:Paresh Vyas and Vikas DhurkaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our li...
2021-05-2325 min
Naatak RadioPadma Bhushan Amritlal Nagar's DHARMSANKAT (धर्मसंकट), performed by Rajiv NemaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, Amritlal Nagar's famous short story Dharmsankat. Rai Bahadur Giriraj Krishna, a man of great wealth and prestige, passes away and wants his wife to be the heir of his assets. But he has some very specific conditions. Performed by: Rajiv NemaAbout the Author: Amritlal Nagar (17 August 1916 – 23 February 1990) was one of the prominent Hindi writers of the twentieth century.He started off as an author and journalist, but moved on to be an active writer in the In...
2021-05-0221 min
Naatak Radioसंशय by Varsha Thakur; performed by Avnika AgarwalSend us a textA woman's train journey to meet her fiancé, becomes an interrogation session with a highly inquisitive co-passenger. Written by Varsha Thakur, this delightful story captures the emotions of a long distance train journey and often the highly smart and inquisitive nature of the co-passengers whom you often end up sharing your personal information with, whether you like it or not. But its all done in good faith and often is what keeps the social fabric alive and well. Written by Varsha ThakurPerformed by Avnika AgarwalSup...
2021-03-2112 min
Naatak RadioDajyu (Big Brother) by Shekhar Joshi in English; performed by Kartic BhargavSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, we present one of Shekhar Joshi's famous short story, Dajyu. A boy from the mountains takes liking to a stranger in a cafe, when he asks him about his village, and considers him his Dajyu or big brother. Does the stranger reciprocate?Performed by Vikas DhurkaAbout the author:Shekhar Joshi (born 10 September, 1932) is a Hindi author, who is also known for his insight into the culture, traditions and lifestyles of people of Uttarakhand. With Shailesh Matiyani, he created...
2021-03-1308 min
Naatak Radioदाज्यू (Dajyu or big brother) by Shekhar Joshi (हिंदी); performed by Vikas DhurkaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, we present one of Shekhar Joshi's famous short story, Dajyu. A boy from the mountains takes liking to a stranger in a cafe, when he asks him about his village, and considers him his Dajyu or big brother. Does the stranger reciprocate?Performed by Vikas DhurkaAbout the author:Shekhar Joshi (born 10 September, 1932) is a Hindi author, who is also known for his insight into the culture, traditions and lifestyles of people of Uttarakhand. With Shailesh Matiyani, he created...
2021-03-1309 min
Naatak RadioAao Khat Suno (आओ ख़त सुनो) by Saadat Hasan Manto, performed by Sunny Moza, Sonia Saini, and Vikas DhurkaSend us a textPresenting the next play: Aao Khat Suno in the hilarious series of radio plays by Saadat Hasan Manto. Lajwanti doesn't allow Kishore to read through a letter by Narayan until the letter writer himself makes an appearance. Performers:Kishore: Sunny MozaLajwanti: Sonia SainiNarayan: Vikas DhurkaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/n...
2021-03-0619 min
Naatak Radioगोरखधंधा (A labyrinth) by Amritlal Nagar; performed by Vikas DhurkaSend us a textThis weeks marks the 31st death anniversary of Shri Amritlal Nagar, one of the most prominent Hindi writers, often called the true literary heir of Premchand. Gorakhdhandha, that literally translates to a labyrinth, is one of his most famous short stories. It is a tale of a lower middle class married guy named Satish. Satish has been looking for a job for the last two years and is now fighting for every last penny. Things don't look favorable for him, but he doesn't give up hope. Creative and imaginative, he comes up with...
2021-02-2722 min
Naatak Radioपीले डैफोडिल, a short story by Anshu JohriSend us a text2020 will forever be remembered as the year when the world was under the spell of a deadly virus. The unsung heroes of the year were the first responders, the medical professionals who dealt with the human casualty first hand. पीले डैफोडिल (Yellow Daffodils) is a story written by Anshu Johri of 3 such professionals, in what became the epicenter of the pandemic, New York! Written and Performed by: Anshu JohriLive music in the background: Sparsh JohriSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotif...
2021-02-2022 min
Naatak RadioAao Khoj Lagayein (आओ खोज लगाएँ) a radio play; performed by Sunny Moza, Sonia Saini, Vikas Dhurka, and Mustafa KhanSend us a textIn this edition of the series of hilarious radio plays written by Saadat Hasan Manto, a thief robs Kishore and Lajwanti and then himself makes an appearance to explain the act leaving their friend Narayan more than just speechless. Aao Khoj Lagayein! Kishore: Sunny MozaLajwanti: Sonia SainiNarayan: Vikas Dhurka"Mulakati": Mustafa KhanSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our l...
2021-02-1319 min
Naatak RadioDEAD, a short story written and performed by Abha AgarwalSend us a textAccording to the Times of India: 15-25% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Loss of pregnancy is physically traumatising as well as emotionally paralysing. There are millions of unspoken stories of loss but no one wants to start the dialogue and very few want to hear them. This week on Naatak Radio, we present one such story: DEAD. Written and performed by Abha Agarwal of the blog Abalicious, this 21-year old from Hyderabad, India, has written a powerful short story that talks about what a woman goes through during a miscarriage.
2021-02-0609 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Amavasya (अमावस्या) Naatak's first grand musicalPresenting songs from Naatak's 46th production and its very first grand musical: AMAVASYA. About the Play: The princess Amavasya is devastatingly beautiful: black as night. Or she is so hideous that a glimpse of her milky-white face sends the victim into a three-day slumber. No one knows, because she is hidden behind a mask. What will her people see on the day she uncovers her face? Performed with music, dance, spectacular sets and costumes, AMAVASYA is an entertaining and humorous fairy-tale for grown-ups – both dark-skinned and light-skinned ones. The play, performed in 2014 was a Knig...
2021-01-3043 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Amavasya (अमावस्या) Naatak's first grand musicalSend us a textPresenting songs from Naatak's 46th production and its very first grand musical: AMAVASYA. About the Play:The princess Amavasya is devastatingly beautiful: black as night. Or she is so hideous that a glimpse of her milky-white face sends the victim into a three-day slumber. No one knows, because she is hidden behind a mask. What will her people see on the day she uncovers her face? Performed with music, dance, spectacular sets and costumes, AMAVASYA is an entertaining and humorous fairy-tale for grown-ups – both dark-skinned and light-skinned ones. The...
2021-01-3043 min
Naatak RadioAdhoora Sawal Jantantra Ka (अधूरा सवाल जनतंत्र का) by Rajendra Tyagi, performed by Vikas DhurkaSend us a textक्या तंत्र जन की रक्षा के लिए है या जन तंत्र की सेवा के लिए?A Democratic Republic, India celebrates its 72nd Republic on 26th January 2021. Naatak Radio celebrates this occasion with this fascinating story by Rajendra Tyagi: Adhoora Sawal Janatantra Ka. The question of whether the system (तंत्र) is serving the public (जन) or the public serving the system plagues all republics and democracies alike. Munnalal is at the crossroads of Rajpath and Janpath in New Delhi and has a fundamental question: does Rajpath cross Janpath or Janpath cross Rajpath? And while figuring this question out, he comes across a more fundamental question about the existence and purpose of a Democratic Republic.Written by: Rajendra TyagiPerformed by: Vik...
2021-01-2317 min
Naatak RadioGurmukh Singh Ki Vasiyat (गरमुख सिंह की वसीयत) performed by Sunny MozaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio we present a chilling tale from the partition: Gurmukh Singh Ki Vasiyat by Saadat Hasan Manto. A muslim family is trapped in their own house as the city around them burns. Will the friendships formed with the community come to their rescue?Performed by Sunny MozaBackground Music:"Riots of 2020 over The Joker Theme" by Squicx"Tense Ambient Background Music" by Argsound Background Music"Tense Cinematic Instrumental Ambient Music" by Argsound Music"D&D Ambience, Angry Crowd, People Yelling, G...
2021-01-1615 min
Naatak RadioTang Nazar (तंग नज़र) by Mahendra BhishmSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio presenting Mahendra Bhishm's TANG NAZAR. The legend goes that when Lord Rama was sent to the forest, his entire kingdom followed him. He told them, "Men and Women, please wipe your tears away and go back." They left, but a group of people stayed behind, at the edge of the forest because they were neither men nor women. The "Kinnars" or "Hijras", who include the transgender and intersex people, have a special place in the society. They dance at weddings or come uninvited to gi...
2021-01-0910 min
Naatak RadioAao Radio Sunein (आओ Radio सुनें), a radio play by Saadat Hasan MantoSend us a textPresenting Saadat Hasan Manto's radio play: Aao Radio Sunein. Lajwanti and Kishore are at each other over what radio station to tune into, until Narayan steps to save the day. Performers: Sunny Moza, Monica Singh, Mustafa Khan, Vikas DhurkaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.
2021-01-0216 min
Naatak RadioThe Cub by Lois Dykeman Kleihauer, adapted and performed by Kartic BhargavSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio, a short story “The Cub” by Lois Dykeman Kleihauer, describing the changing relationship between a boy and his father. The young boy grows up admiring his father’s physical strength and the two wrestle and playfight throughout his childhood. Although at first the father always wins, the day comes when things change. Adapted and performed by Kartic BhargavMusic: "Better Days", "November", "Slow Motion", "Tomorrow" by Bensound.comYoutube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BensoundMusicSupport the show
2020-12-2611 min
Naatak RadioPadma Shri Ismat Chughtai's FIRDAUS (फ़िरदौस), performed by Monica Mehta ChitkaraSend us a textPresenting a delightful tale from one of the most prolific feminist writers of the 20th century - Padma Shri Ismat Chughtai: FIRDAUS (meaning: paradise).Written in her classic first person narrative, Firdaus is about Saleema who is needlessly beaten by her husband and confides in Ismat "appa" about it often, until one day things change. Written with a healthy dose of humor and a tongue-in-cheek self reflection, one that Ismat Chughtai mastered in, Firdaus a feminist response to the age-old justification of domestic abuse centered around the question of where a...
2020-12-1924 min
Naatak RadioRabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala (काबुलीवाला), in HINDI by Roshni DattaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio we present, Rabindranath Tagore's KABULIWALA in 3 languages, Hindi, Bengali, and English. Kabuliwala is a Bengali short story written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1892. The story is of a merchant from Kabul, who comes to Calcutta (present day Kolkata), India each year for selling dry-fruits and while living in India he becomes friends with a five-year-old girl Mini from a middle-class aristocratic family. The main theme of this story is the deep love that fathers have for their children. In the story we encounter three examples of this d...
2020-12-1210 min
Naatak RadioRabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala, in ENGLISH by Roshni DattaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio we present, Rabindranath Tagore's KABULIWALA in 3 languages, Hindi, Bengali, and English. Kabuliwala is a Bengali short story written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1892. The story is of a merchant from Kabul, who comes to Calcutta (present day Kolkata), India each year for selling dry-fruits and while living in India he becomes friends with a five-year-old girl Mini from a middle-class aristocratic family. The main theme of this story is the deep love that fathers have for their children. In the story we encounter three examples of this d...
2020-12-1223 min
Naatak RadioRabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala (কাবুলিওয়ালা), in BENGALI by Roshni DattaSend us a textThis week on Naatak Radio we present, Rabindranath Tagore's KABULIWALA in 3 languages, Hindi, Bengali, and English. Kabuliwala is a Bengali short story written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1892. The story is of a merchant from Kabul, who comes to Calcutta (present day Kolkata), India each year for selling dry-fruits and while living in India he becomes friends with a five-year-old girl Mini from a middle-class aristocratic family. The main theme of this story is the deep love that fathers have for their children. In the story we encounter three examples of this d...
2020-12-1224 min
Naatak RadioRajiv Nema Indori's tribute to the late Rahat Indori (in Hindi)The world of poetry lost an absolute gem of an artist on Aug 11, 2020. Rahat Indori, the undisputed king of "Mushairas", a poetic symposium where poets have the freedom to express themselves freely, passed away due to Covid-19. Naatak Radio's episode this week is a humble tribute to this legend, who transformed the world of poetry with his creations that were simple, but packed a knock-out punch. Based on Paresh Vyas's tribute broadcasted in Akashvani Ahmedabad, in this episode of Naatak Radio Rajiv Nema Indori pays the tribute in Hindi while also sharing some of his fond memories m...
2020-12-1016 min
Naatak RadioAkbari Lota (अकबरी लोटा) by Annapurnanand Verma; Performed by Dr. Sharvari DixitSend us a textToday we celebrate Dr. Annapurnand Verma who passed away 58 years ago today (4th December, 1962) at the young age of 67. We present one of his most famous stories: AKBARI LOTA. Lala Jhaulal is in a real pickle. He has committed to give a large sum of money to his wife and to make matters worse, has accidentally injured an English tourist. Will he be able to wriggle out of this situation?Dr. Annapurnanand Verma is considered one of the foremost poets, novelists, and story writers in Hindi literature. His style of writing...
2020-12-0417 min
Naatak RadioFork In the Road by Rithvik Agastya; starring Havish Ravipati, Kamala Subramaniam, Natasha Nema, and Kanishk PandeySend us a textOne slip. One Mistake. One mess-up. That's all you get. One fault can change the whole course of life. So, think before you act. The Kapoor family suffers the consequences of one such action. This Thanksgiving weekend, thank the ones you love!Written and Directed by: Ritvik AgastyaStarring: Havish Ravipati, Kamala Subramaniam, Natasha Nema, and Kanishk PandeySupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to o...
2020-11-2808 min
Naatak RadioSongs from Naatak's Toba Tek Singh - The Musical"At the stroke of the midnight hour" on 15th August 1947, British India was divided into two independent and self-governing countries of India and Pakistan. As the two countries awoke to "life and freedom" nearly 15 million people found themselves displaced as the states of Punjab and Bengal were partitioned strictly on the basis of religion. Among the many stories written on the partition, like "Amritsar Aa Gaya Hai", Saadat Hasan Manto's Toba Tek Singh is considered one of the most poignant. Naatak staged its musical based on this story in 2017. In this episode we present songs from this musical.
2020-11-2237 min
Naatak RadioMarwari Byaav ko Prastaav (ब्याव को प्रस्ताव), Anton Chekov's "The Marriage Proposal"Send us a textPresenting Anton Chekov's "THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL" in Marwari. A marriage proposal leads to a hilarious quarrel about land and cattle.Artists: Devu Heda, Sonal Kabra (Maloo), Prashant MalooDirector: Manish SabuTranslator: Prashant Bharati MalooAdaptation: Pratiksha Rao-VaidyaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/Love the show? Consider...
2020-11-2116 min
Naatak RadioSANKALP (संकल्प), a Diwali tale written by Bhawna Saxena, performed by Vikas DhurkaSend us a textOn this Diwali day of 2020, we mark the start of season 2 of Naatak Radio with a beautiful short story on the theme of Diwali: SANKALP. Shreya wants to celebrate her first Diwali in their new home just as she remembers from her childhood. But all is not well in the household, and she needs to muster the strength to kill the darkness within, this Diwali. Can she succeed?Written by: Bhawna SaxenaPerformed by: Vikas DhurkaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on A...
2020-11-1413 min
Naatak RadioRadio Song and Sawal Jawab, poems by Anjana SurinSend us a textFrom the Naatak Radio archives, presenting two beautiful poems by the gifted Anjana Surin. Recorded in conversation with Shubhla Bhatia Jotwani, the two poems were first aired on Radio Zindagi 1170AM in the Bay Area in 2017! The first poem is called RADIO SONG describing the wonders of Radio, bringing back the cherished childhood nostalgia. The second poem is called SAWAL JAWAB, a moving poem about the author's interactions with her dad. Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saa...
2020-11-0710 min
Naatak RadioMonkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs: performed by Kartic BhargavSend us a text"The Monkey's Paw" is a supernatural short story by author W. W. Jacobs, first published in England in the collection The Lady of the Barge in 1902. In the story, three wishes are granted to the owner of The Monkey's Paw, but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate. It has been adapted many times in other media, including plays, films, TV series, operas, stories and comics, as early as 1903 and as recently as 2019. Naatak Radio's Monkey's Paw is based in Lansing, Michigan and the recipients of the p...
2020-10-3124 min
Naatak Radio'This is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit’ in Hindi by Ritwik VermaSend us a text‘This is Going to Hurt Just a Little Bit’ by Ogden Nash is a humorous poem filled with exaggerations, puns and metaphors. It is a hilarious description of the whole experience of sitting in a dental chair which causes the poet great agony. Students all across India learn this poem in school. Ritwik Verma was one such student and this poem left a mark on him. Fast forward a few years, and Ritwik Verma put pen to paper and created a Hindi Version of this poem: अल्पकालिक पीड़ाThis translation was first presented i...
2020-10-2407 min
Naatak RadioChief Ki Daawat (चीफ़ की दावत) by Bhishm Sahni; performed by Anupam DhyaniSend us a textChief ki Daawat is one of the legendary writer Bhishm Sahni's most famous stories. A humble Indian official invites his chief, an American, to his house for dinner. The low-ranked official believes that if his boss is impressed by his hospitality, he would surely grant him the long due promotion. The man and his wife turn the house upside down to make it spic and span for the party. But, according to them the man's elderly, illiterate, and unkempt mother is an eyesore. Will they be successful in hiding his mother...
2020-10-1722 min
Naatak RadioAao Jhooth Bolein (आओ झूठ बोलें) a hilarious radio play; performed by Sunny Moza, Sonia Saini, and Vikas DhurkaSend us a textLajwanti convinces her husband Kishore and his friend Narayan to spin a web of lies together with her. Will they get entangled or manage to escape? Presenting the 4th in the series of hilarious radio plays written by Saadat Hasan Manto. In 1940, when Manto left Lahore for New Delhi to take up the position of staff artist at All India Radio in New Delhi, he stopped en route at Amritsar where he wrote the preface for Aao, his first anthology of short humorous plays. Written over a span of five months...
2020-10-1017 min
Naatak RadioThe Music of GANDHISend us a textOn Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary year, Naatak Radio presents the music recorded live during the performance of Naatak's grand musical GANDHI.The play captured the arc of Gandhi’s life and times, from his ‘experiments with truth’ in London to his campaigns in South Africa, to the civil disobedience movement he led against the British in India and was presented with live music and dance, including tunes familiar from Gandhi’s life and the Indian independence movement – वैष्णव जन, रघुपति राघव राजा राम, ऐकला चौलो रे – as well as original music and choreography.Written and Directed by: Sujit SarafWatch the play on YouTube. Music composed by Nachiketa Yakk...
2020-10-0222 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Mahabharat: Part 2, Kurukshetra and BeyondSongs from Naatak's Grand Musical: Mahabharat staged in 2018. It is said that every story that can possibly be told has been told in the Mahabharat. In 2018, Naatak presented this greatest epic ever written with live music and dance, and setting it in an undefined era that could be modern, ancient or anywhere in between. This was Naatak’s largest production in 25 years. There were as many as 50 people on stage, weaving theater, dance and music into an intricate presentation. The album is broken in two parts as the music tempo changes pre war and during.
2020-09-2920 min
Naatak RadioBhookh Lagi Hai Khana Do - a radio play based on "Out At Sea" by Slawomir Mrozek; directed by Surender SinghSend us a textThree men starving on a life raft, in the middle of the sea, employ a hilariously logical application of bureaucratic procedures to determine which of them is to become dinner for the other two. Actors: Surender Singh, Rohit Dube, Snehal Pachigar, and Rajiv NemaAdapted and Directed by: Surender SinghAbout the playwrightSławomir Mrożek, (born June 29, 1930, Borzęcin, Poland—died August 15, 2013, Nice, France), Polish playwright and satirist noted for his subtle parody and stylized language. As one o...
2020-09-2624 min
Naatak RadioLucille Fletcher's THE HITCHHIKER, a mystery in English; performed by Kartic Bhargav, Edward Keyani, and Shelly Perrrier SmithSend us a textPresenting Lucille Fletcher’s THE HITCHHIKER, directed by Kartic Bhargav and featuring Kartic Bhargav along with Edward Keyani, Shelly Perrier Smith. Sound mixing and remastering by Navi Viswanathan. NOTE: For the most optimal experience, we recommend using headphones for this episode.A typical cross country becomes anything but with a mysterious hitchhiker!A a radio play written by Lucille Fletcher, the Hitchhiker was first presented on the November 17, 1941, broadcast of The Orson Welles Show on CBS Radio, featuring a score written and conducted by Bernard Herrmann. Welles pe...
2020-09-1924 min
Naatak RadioKafan (कफ़न) by Munshi Premchand; performed by Vineet MishraSend us a textMunshi Premchand is one of the foremost Hindi writers of the 20th century. A novel writer, story writer and dramatist, he has been referred to as the "Upanyas Samrat" ("Emperor among Novelists") by writers. And Kafan, published in 1936, is thought to be the author's best, blackest, and most powerful short story. Set in an Indian village, the milieu of Premchand's best works, on a dark, chilly winter night, it is the story of a father, Ghisu, and his son, Madhav, who sit at the door of their hut roasting potatoes stolen f...
2020-09-1222 min
Naatak RadioToba Tek Singh by Saadat Hasan Manto; performed by Ritwik VermaSend us a textWhen it comes to stories about the Indo-Pak partition of 1947, one stands out almost instantly, Toba Tek Singh by Saadat Hasan Manto. A powerful satire on the relationship between India and Pakistan, Toba Tek Singh presents a unique view of the lunacy of the times from the point of view of the lunatics of the Lahore asylum. The story is set two or three years after the 1947 partition, when the governments of India and Pakistan decided to exchange some Muslim, Sikh and Hindu lunatics. The central character of the story is...
2020-09-0518 min
Naatak RadioRajiv Nema Indori's tribute to the late Rahat Indori (in Hindi)Send us a textThe world of poetry lost an absolute gem of an artist on Aug 11, 2020. Rahat Indori, the undisputed king of "Mushairas", a poetic symposium where poets have the freedom to express themselves freely, passed away due to Covid-19. Naatak Radio's episode this week is a humble tribute to this legend, who transformed the world of poetry with his creations that were simple, but packed a knock-out punch. Based on Paresh Vyas's tribute broadcasted in Akashvani Ahmedabad, in this episode of Naatak Radio Rajiv Nema Indori pays the tribute in Hindi while also s...
2020-08-2916 min
Naatak Radio[BONUS] Akashvani Ahmedabad's tribute to Rahat Indori (in Gujarati by Paresh Vyas)Send us a textThis week's bonus episode features a tribute to the king of Mushairas and one of the most impactful poets from the recent times, Rahat Indori. This is the original tribute as aired in Akashvani Ahmedabad composed and read by Paresh Vyas in Gujarati. Listen to Episode 26 for the tribute in Hindi by Rajiv Nema.Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our w...
2020-08-2912 min
Naatak RadioPadma Shri Ismat Chughtai's Lihaaf ("The Quilt"); performed by Sareeka MalhotraSend us a textAug 21, 2020 was Padma Shri Ismat Chughtai's 125th birth anniversary. One of India's most prominent authors, Ismat Chughtai has written countless stories, novels, and even films, but none more controversial at its release in 1942 and popular after than LIHAAF. Written as a first person narrative, Lihaaf is a 'terrifying' memory of the narrator from her childhood. Lihaaf is a landmark portrayal of an insulated life of a neglected wife as seen from a little girl's eyes. Chughtai was inspired to write the story upon hearing of...
2020-08-2229 min
Naatak Radio"Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata" and other songs from Naatak's Toba Tek Singh - The MusicalSend us a text"At the stroke of the midnight hour" on 15th August 1947, British India was divided into two independent and self-governing countries of India and Pakistan. As the two countries awoke to "life and freedom" nearly 15 million people found themselves displaced as the states of Punjab and Bengal were partitioned strictly on the basis of religion. Among the many stories written on the partition, like "Amritsar Aa Gaya Hai" featured in Episode 23, Saadat Hasan Manto's Toba Tek Singh is considered one of the most poignant. Naatak staged its musical based on this story in 2017. In...
2020-08-1437 min
Naatak RadioAmritsar Aa Gaya Hai (अमृतसर आ गया है) by Bhisham Sahni; performed by Manish SabuSend us a textIn August, 1947, when the British finally left it after 300 years of subjugation, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two independent nations purely based on religion, India and Pakistan. This abrupt partition, and the hastily drawn borders, sometimes running across people's compounds, led to one of the greatest migrations in human history. Nearly 15 million people comprising of Muslims trekking to Pakistan from India and Hindus and Sikhs heading in the opposite direction were displaced overnight. Millions never made it. The railway link between the two countries was a key medium, and was also witness...
2020-08-0834 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Mahabharat: Part 1, Pre KurukshetraSongs from Naatak's Grand Musical: Mahabharat staged in 2018. It is said that every story that can possibly be told has been told in the Mahabharat. In 2018, Naatak presented this greatest epic ever written with live music and dance, and setting it in an undefined era that could be modern, ancient or anywhere in between. This was Naatak’s largest production in 25 years. There were as many as 50 people on stage, weaving theater, dance and music into an intricate presentation. The album is broken in two parts as the music tempo changes pre war and during.
2020-08-0723 min
Naatak RadioAnant Yatra (अनंत यात्रा) by Rekha Rajvanshi; performed by Anitha DixitSend us a textCovid-19 has spared no one. Among the hardest hit are the elderly who live in a state of constant fear. Many, especially in India, would have seen and survived the horrors of the 1947 partition, and could not have imagined reliving the panic and chaos. Anant Yatra (A never ending journey) by Rekha Rajvanshi is a story of one such individual. Shri Jitendra Nath, is forced to cut short his trip to Australia, one that he makes often to visit his son and grandkids as Covid-19 in Feb'2020. The journey from Australia...
2020-08-0121 min
Naatak RadioAasman Ka Sitara (आसमान का सितारा), a microfiction short (लघुकथा) by Savitha SamuSend us a textMicrofiction is an art of telling a story in as few words as possible. In today's limited word-count driven short attention spans, Microfiction presents a unique challenge to writers. Tell the same hard-hitting tales, but with fewer words. And then, reduce some more.Presenting, Naatak Radio's first microfiction piece, Aasman Ka Sitara, by Savitha Samu. The most sacred place for a kid, their thoughts while looking up at the star filled sky, should always stay that way. But does it? Background Song: "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on piano...
2020-07-2501 min
Naatak RadioMannaton Ke Dhaage (मन्नतों के धागे), a short story by Trilochana Kaur; performed by Vikas DhurkaSend us a textPresenting the second in our series of Microfiction short stories, Mannaton Ke Dhaage, by Trilochana Kaur.The village's beloved Babool tree was suffering due to the customs held dear by the people until the chief comes up with a clever solution.Narrator: Vikas Dhurka Background score: "Indian Tabla + Hangdrum Music" by Meditative MindStory source: 1 May 2020 issue of the Abhivyakti monthly publication. Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn o...
2020-07-2502 min
Naatak Radio[Bonus Song] Thoda Doodh Aur Thoda Paani (थोड़ा दूध और थोड़ा पानी) from Naatak's Mr. IndiaThe second episode this week to celebrate the International Tea day. "Chai Anthem" from Naatak's Mr. India. ABOUT THE PLAY A half-blind, bumbling tea-seller in Delhi rises to become Prime Minister of India in this hilarious and hard-hitting satire on Indian democracy. Based on the 2007 novel The Peacock Throne, acclaimed by Time and The Guardian, the play is a grand farce, starting with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and ending with the election that threw up a hung parliament in 1989. Tucked amidst these momentous events is the tale of a humble and f...
2020-07-2501 min
Naatak RadioBali Ka Bakra (बली का बकरा), based on Roald Dahl's "Lamb To The Slaughter"Send us a textShattered by the discovery that her husband is leaving her, a devoted housewife retaliates, gathering the pieces rather cleverly. Based on “Lamb to the Slaughter”, a short story by Roald Dahl, and adapted and directed by Mahesh Umasankar, Bali Ka Bakra was also presented by Naatak in Mela, 2016. Voice Actors: Savitha Samu, Anush Moorthy, Dilip Ratnam, Swagato Basumallick and Palak JoshiSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also...
2020-07-1824 min
Naatak RadioSongs from Naatak's 50th production: VRINDAVANPresenting songs from Naatak's 50th production, VRINDAVAN. Staged in 2015, Vrindavan, a Knight Foundation Grant Winner is THE most popular musical in Naatak's 25 year history. Credits: Vocalists: Nachiketa Yakkundi, Vidya Murthy, Lakshmi Shankar Rao, Poonam Yakkundi Organ: Anand Karve Tabla: Ashish Tare Manjira: Gandhar Tare Triangle: Poonam Yakkundi Written by Sujit Saraf About the PlayIn 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vri...
2020-07-1738 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Mahabharat: Part 1, Pre KurukshetraSend us a textSongs from Naatak's Grand Musical: Mahabharat staged in 2018. It is said that every story that can possibly be told has been told in the Mahabharat. In 2018, Naatak presented this greatest epic ever written with live music and dance, and setting it in an undefined era that could be modern, ancient or anywhere in between. This was Naatak’s largest production in 25 years. There were as many as 50 people on stage, weaving theater, dance and music into an intricate presentation.The album is broken in two parts as the music te...
2020-07-0423 min
Naatak RadioSongs of Mahabharat: Part 2, Kurukshetra and BeyondSend us a textSongs from Naatak's Grand Musical: Mahabharat staged in 2018.It is said that every story that can possibly be told has been told in the Mahabharat. In 2018, Naatak presented this greatest epic ever written with live music and dance, and setting it in an undefined era that could be modern, ancient or anywhere in between. This was Naatak’s largest production in 25 years. There were as many as 50 people on stage, weaving theater, dance and music into an intricate presentation.The album is broken in two parts as the music te...
2020-07-0420 min
Naatak RadioAao Taash Khelein by Saadat Hasan Manto; performed by Harish Agastya, Sumrah Jan, Abhay ParanjapeSend us a textWhy is the Ace, a faceless card considered the most supreme? Why are there only 3 female cards in the whole suite? Kishore is clearly up to something. Can Lajwanti get him to reveal his secrets through a game of cards? Does Narayan's entry change anything? Presenting Aao Taash Kheien (Come, let's play cards), the second in a series of short plays written by Saadat Hasan Manto called Aao. Each play presents a delightful banter between the husband Kishore, the wife Lajwanti, and their friend Narayan. Light-hearted and animated in nature, these...
2020-06-2717 min
Naatak RadioAao Kahaani Likhen by Saadat Hasan Manto; performed by Ausaf Masud, Sumrah Jan, Abhay ParanjapeSend us a textPresenting the first in a series of short plays written by Saadat Hasan Manto. While working as a writer for the Urdu service of All India Radio, Manto wrote these short plays in Mumbai specifically for radio and the collection was published in 1940. Each play presents a delightful banter between the husband Kishore, the wife Lajwanti, and their friend Narayan. Light-hearted and animated in nature, these lesser knows plays represent the writer in a different light. Aao Kahani Likhen (Come, let's write a story) is mentioned in the All India Radio...
2020-06-2016 min
Naatak RadioDopahar Ka Bhojan (दोपहर का भोजन) a story in Hindi by Sahitya Akademi Award winner, AmarkantSend us a textNearly 300-million (30 crore) people in India live at or below the poverty line and the 2020 pandemic is expected to throw many more in deep penury. This story, written by eminent story writer, Gnanpeeth (2009), Vyas Samman (2009), and Sahitya Akademi Award (2007) winner, Amarkant presents a tale of such a family. It presents the real life struggles of many and uses a narrative that is both poignant and heart-rending. Siddheshwari Devi distributes a very limited quantity of food amongst her retrenched husband and unemployed children so that nobody feels half-fed, but when nothing but half a...
2020-06-1316 min
Naatak RadioBholaram Ka Jeev (भोलाराम का जीव) by Harishankar ParsaiSend us a textA satire on the modern Indian urbanized society, Bholaram Ka Jeev, starts with a unique premise: Great confusion has ensued in Yamraj's offices in heaven. The soul of the story's protagonist, Bholaram a government servant, has gone missing. This causes Yamraj to issue a search warrant for Bholaram and deploy Narad to investigate. Narad visits Bholaram's family in disguise and finds that they are in a desperate need for his pension money, which they never received even after 5-years of him retiring from the job. Narad decides to help but is met with...
2020-06-0613 min
Naatak RadioTHE CROSSOVER by Rithvik AgastyaSend us a textWhat happens when California decides to secede from the United States? This is the premise of this brand new play by Rithvik Agastya. Crossover tracks the journey of two couples living in the newly formed "Republic of California" and "Michigan, United States" over a span of 10 years. Are they happy with their choices or are they ready to Crossover?Actors: Amar Chokshi, Mona Deshpande, Kartic Bhargav, Prapti OswalWritten and Directed by: Rithvik AgastyaPresented by: NaatakSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on...
2020-05-3013 min
Naatak Radio"The Chai Anthem" थोड़ा दूध और थोड़ा पानी from Naatak's Mr. IndiaSend us a textThe second episode this week to celebrate the International Tea day. "Chai Anthem" from Naatak's Mr. India. ABOUT THE PLAYA half-blind, bumbling tea-seller in Delhi rises to become Prime Minister of India in this hilarious and hard-hitting satire on Indian democracy. Based on the 2007 novel The Peacock Throne, acclaimed by Time and The Guardian, the play is a grand farce, starting with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and ending with the election that threw up a hung parliament in 1989. Tucked amidst these momentous events...
2020-05-2301 min
Naatak RadioRaawat Tea Stall (रावत टी स्टॉल) by Varsha ThakurSend us a textThursday, May 21, was International Tea Day. To celebrate we present not one but two episodes this week on Naatak Radio. First is a short story - Raawat Tea Stall, by Varsha Thakur. We all have our favorite hidden gems in our favorite vacation spots. A tea stall, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a book store, etc. Arup tries to retrace his path to the best chai he ever had during his previous Badrinath trip. Did the tea stall manage to survive the winds of change? Is the tea stall a place or is...
2020-05-2311 min
Naatak RadioSeema (सीमा) a short story by GulzarSend us a textWritten by Gulzar, Seema is a poignant and touching tale about love and longing, and has appeared in many of his short story collections. “Seema” revolves around three individuals, theatre director Sudhir, his actor wife Seema, and their mutual friend TK. Seema’s and Sudhir’s life appears picture perfect, but appearances are often deceptive in the world of showbiz. The story was eventually made into the movie Libaas in 1988. Incidentally the movie was never widely released and has only had two public screenings, one in 1992 and the other in 2014 in the 23rd and 45th...
2020-05-1622 min
Naatak RadioKaaki (काकी) by Siyaramsharan Gupt; performed by Anitha DixitSend us a textA poignant short tale by Siyaramsharan Gupt shows the innocence of a small child dealing with an unexpected loss.Narrated by: Anitha DixitSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.
2020-05-0906 min
Naatak RadioMamla Gadbad Hai (मामला गड़बड़ है) based on A. R. Gurney's "The Problem"Send us a textA couple in their thirties has completed ten years of marriage. One late afternoon, the wife tells the husband that she is pregnant but the child is not his. The husband meanwhile has secrets of his own. Numerous intricate confessions are revealed in the plethora of twists and turns of the tale. A classic comedy of a couple taken by their desires.Based on "The Problem" by A. R. GurneyAdapted in Hindi and Directed by: Sareeka MalhotraCast: Sareeka Malhotra and Amit U SharmaStaged in Naatak's 51...
2020-05-0318 min
Naatak RadioEk Saste Jahaaj Ka Sapna (एक सस्ते जहाज़ का सपना) by K. M. MishraSend us a textEk Saste Jahaaj Ka Sapna is a comical take on the life of a common man and his vision towards society. The story revolves around Genda Singh who dreams of owning a new affordable airplane designed in Latvia. Will he be able to turn his dream into a reality?Actors: Yaduvir Singh, Surender Singh, Shreya Bhattacharji and Avadhoot BhambareDirected by Vikas DhurkaSupport the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You...
2020-04-1919 min
Naatak RadioEk Bangla Film (एक बांग्ला फिल्म) a short story by Sharad Joshi; performed by Rajiv NemaSend us a textTwo non-Bengali speaking friends go to watch a movie and get the crux of the film all wrong. Sharad Joshi's hilarious hindi satire narrated and directed by Rajiv Nema. Support the showSubscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.
2020-04-1208 min
Naatak RadioAnde Ke Chilke (अण्डे के छिलके) by Mohan RakeshSend us a textAnde Ke Chilke : A tale set in the 1960s, about a strict vegetarian household where even eggs are a taboo. The daughter-in-law of the house however, was brave enough to break the rules for herself, her husband, and her brother in law. Will the matriarch of the house discover these nefarious activities happening right under her nose? Or will the family members succeed in keeping and cooking it all under the table? Written by: Mohan RakeshDirector: Anjali BhideCast: Chaitanya Godsay, Anjali Bhide, Bhavna Mathur, Aniruddha Bhide, Shubhla Bh...
2020-03-2923 min