Udaipur – Nearly sixty years after the evergreen film Guide starring Dev Anand graced the silver screen, its timeless magic was brought alive once again on stage in Udaipur. Inspired by this iconic film, and written as an award-winning story by author and Deputy Director of Information & Public Relations Gaurikant Sharma, the play Guide – Once Again was staged under the direction of senior theatre personality Shivraj Sonwal.


The powerful narrative, crisp dialogues, and thoughtful direction gave the audience a feeling as if the story was unfolding right around them. This theatrical tribute not only honored the legendary film that had placed Udaipur on the world tourism map but also sought to reconnect the youth with the cultural and historical richness of Mewar.

A Play Rooted in Udaipur’s Legacy


The premiere show of Guide – Once Again was held on Sunday at the New Auditorium of RNT Medical College under the joint aegis of Maulik Organisation of Creative and Performing Arts and GR Finmart. The story, deeply connected with Udaipur, attracted a large audience including eminent theatre artists, writers, art lovers, and citizens.


Prominent guests at the event included Shraddha Murdia (President, Kashti Foundation), noted entrepreneur Shraddha Gattani, art lover and ADJ Kuldeep Sharma (Secretary, District Legal Services Authority), and educationist Piyushchandra Dashora. Author Gaurikant Sharma welcomed the audience and introduced the storyline of his play, while the guests were felicitated at the beginning of the program.

Revisiting the Spirit of ‘Guide’

The original film Guide, released in 1965, was largely shot in Udaipur and nearby locations. It gave Indian cinema a new dimension while putting Udaipur prominently on the international tourism map. Taking inspiration from this background, the play focused on the touching story of Raju, a local guide, and Svetlana, a researcher from Russia, set in Udaipur’s Jagdish Chowk and Gangaur Ghat areas.

Through their innocent love story, the play delivered meaningful messages about preserving Udaipur’s lakes and maintaining a strong emotional bond with one’s homeland. This blend of nostalgia and social awareness left a lasting impression on the audience.

Fusion of Literature and Theatre

The presentation was both a literary and theatrical homage to Guide. While the story was penned by Gaurikant Sharma, the stage adaptation, conceptualization, and direction were crafted by Shivraj Sonwal. Viewers described the play as an unforgettable experience that revived the same enchanting aura that once made Guide a timeless masterpiece and immortalized Udaipur on the global map.

Performances that Brought Memories Alive

Actor Kuldeep Dhabhai, in the role of the guide Raju, captivated the audience with his powerful performance. The role of Svetlana was beautifully enacted by Yashasvi Shrivastava and Shona Malhotra, who won hearts with their emotional depth. Other notable performances came from Payal Menaria, Nikhil Satsangi (Ami), Amit Vyas, Manas Jain, Yash Kumawat, Pravar Khandelwal, Sukhdev Rao, Gunisha, and Pradyumna.

The costume design was managed by Rekha Sharma, while the musical design and live singing added by Divisha Gharu enhanced the theatrical atmosphere.

With its successful staging, Guide – Once Again emerged as a milestone for Udaipur’s cultural heritage, reviving memories of the classic film while creating new ones for today’s generation.

 

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