Venue: Kamani Auditorium
Date: 26 February, 2017

Zee TV’s theatre wing Zee Theater’s first initiative “Internal Affairs” had a very exuberant reception in Delhi.

Zee Theater was back with its second presentation “Sir Sir Sarla“, a play written and directed by Makrand Deshpande.

Deshpande assays the role of Professor Palekar and the play revolves around the relationship among him and his students Sarla (Aahana Kumra) and Phanibhushan (Sanjay Dadhich). Palekar is more than a teacher. He is a mentor to his students and they discuss, debate and argue on their subject over tea and drinks. But it is not so simple. Palekar often crosses his mandate and intervenes, or interferes in the personal lives of the students. What comes out of that is not linear and leads to a host of complications. Some amusing but some not so harmless. It leaves everyone a bundle of nerves.

Every actor is impeccable in their acts. Palekar’s philosophical insights make the audience introspect. Sarla is exuberant and chirpy and has a covert sensuality that impresses all. Phanibhishan adds the necessary comic relief and conveys strong points albeit in a blunt jocular manner. We did find the set a little too dramatic but all this becomes a blur once the well-woven script takes over.

Given the playful title “Sir Sir Sarla”, we were in a lighthearted mood when we entered Kamani. We were pensive when we left. That’s what good art does. Apart from entertaining, it should make us think.

“Sir Sir Sarla” is a most off beat production that cannot be classified in the common genre of theater that we ordinarily get to see in Delhi.

Thanks to Zee Theatre for bringing “Sir Sir Sarla” to us and we look forward to their next production in March 2017.