Impressive Staging of ‘Shiv Mahima’ in Jaipur’s Tamasha Style at Shilpgram

Udaipur: Under the monthly theatre series *“Rangshala”* organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, an impactful musical theatre performance titled **“Shiv Mahima”** was staged on Sunday at the Darpan Auditorium, Shilpgram. The presentation was brought by **Parampara Natya Samiti, Jaipur**, in the popular **Jaipur Tamasha folk theatre style**, and was directed by renowned Tamasha practitioner **Dilip Bhatt**. The musically rich performance received an enthusiastic response from a packed auditorium.

WZCC Director **Furqan Khan** informed that as part of the monthly *Rangshala* series, *Shiv Mahima* was presented in Tamasha style at Shilpgram, Udaipur. The concept and direction of this musical drama were handled by Dilip Bhatt.

The **Jaipur Tamasha style**, a folk theatre tradition over **250 years old**, was beautifully showcased in this New Year special presentation. Along with depicting the glory of Lord Shiva, the artists presented the **Shiva–Parvati episode** in a deeply engaging and emotional manner. The dialogue where Lord Shiva addresses Parvati—acknowledging her as his power, expression, devotion, and warning that any harm to her would lead to cosmic destruction—filled the auditorium with energy and devotion. This poignant and dramatic portrayal deeply moved the audience.

In the production, **Dilip Bhatt** effectively performed the role of the *Sutradhar* (narrator) and also handled the singing aspect. The cast included **Harsh Bhatt** as Lord Shiva, **Sikandar Abbas** as Daksha, **Vipin Atal** as Lord Ganesha, and **Renu Sanadhya** as Parvati.

The musical accompaniment featured **Shailendra Sharma** on tabla, **Manohar Tank** on music, and **Sher Khan** on harmonium. The chorus included **Sachin Bhatt, Vipin Atal, and Aditya Bhatt**. Makeup and lighting were managed by **Narendra Babul**, while **Sachin Bhatt** assisted in direction. The Tamasha style, a unique folk art form, has been kept alive vibrantly by artists of the Bhatt family, which was clearly evident in this performance.

Theatre lovers praised the West Zone Cultural Centre for organizing such meaningful cultural events and expressed their appreciation. At the conclusion of the program, all artists were felicitated.

Among those present were **Pawan Amarawat**, Deputy Director (Programs), WZCC, along with **Uday Singh, Mukul Audichya**, other officials and staff, and several distinguished guests from the city. The program was conducted by **Siddhant Bhatnagar**.

 About the Play

*Shiv Mahima* is a theatrical presentation in the traditional **Tamasha folk style**, narrating the glory of Lord Shiva. Through classical ragas, expressive acting, and traditional aesthetics, the artists portrayed various forms of Lord Shiva. The play conveyed messages of devotion, inner strength, and positivity, enabling the audience to connect emotionally and spiritually. The depiction of Lord Shiva through classical music and expressive performance was widely appreciated and offered the audience a profound experience of Shiva devotion.