Come October 26, Bangalore will see some of its political soaps being re-enacted on the stage. Natarathnakara Master Hiranayya is presenting the play 'Lanchavathara', famous for its satirical look at the hypocrisy and corruption in the political arena, at Chowdaiah Hall on October 26. The latest version of the play will see Master Hiranayya in the role of 'Dattu' and his son, Babu Hiranayya as 'Meese Muniyappa'.

Fund raiser

The play is being presented to raise funds for three upcoming developmental projects taken up by Mahila Dakshata Samiti, a non-governmental organisation committed to the upliftment of women and children.

The proceeds from the play will fund three ambitious projects taken up by the Mahila Dakshata Samiti which includes setting up of a primary health care centre in Hadonahali, in the precinct of Doddaballapur, overall sanitation for a remote village namely Perumagandanahalli and for acquiring land to build a family counselling centre, a short stay home and a training centre, all under one roof. The Samiti perceives that its latest artistic venture would be a fitting vehicle to carry forward its endeavours in the field of social service.

Lanchavatara offers a scathing political satire on the current political situation and its destructive effects. Master Hiranayya has been staging the play all over the state and outside for the past 45 years. The play is dynamic in that, its depicted differently at each show as Master Hiranayya, updates it to mirror the times.

A bit of updating with party symbols and personalities is all that it takes for the play to carry forward its fight against corruption and apathy. However, the fun it evokes is good-natured in spirit, which explains its standing and immense popularity in the cultural arena. Lanchavathara has been staged over 10,000 times creating a world record, renewing its message, each time on stage.

Special play

"The new installment Lanchavathara will be staged only once in Bangalore and will be a special one as we are doing this to raise funds for a charitable cause. With the recent developments in the state, the audience has much to look forward to," says Master Hiranayya.

Ever since its inception in the year 1992, the Mahila Dakshata Samiti Karnataka has strived to improve the lot of the poor and the marginalised. With education, empowerment and equality of women and children as its clarion call, the Samiti has notched up several milestones, coming to be recognised as a frontrunner in fight for the needy.

The Samiti has many successful projects to its credit- conducting various health and awareness camps in villages and slums, survey and treatment of alcoholics, child welfare and nutrition, education and empowerment of women, organising self help groups, establishing a family counselling centre, a short stay home for women in distress and village developmental projects, to name a few.

Project

In 2007, it embarked on a major project to develop primary health care and survey and treatment of alcoholics in the slums of Geddalahalli, Ashwathnagar and Nagashettyhalli, and surrounding villages of the all India vice-president and Karnataka president of Mahila Dakshata Samiti, Saranya S Hegde says, "Our family counselling centres are aided by Central Government and it caters to a large number of women in distress, by providing free counselling, legal, medical and psychiatric help and even police help in some cases. We also distribute educational scholarships to children, particularly girls. We are thankful to Master Hiranayya for his kind gesture to aid us in our causes".

The tickets for the play are priced at Rs 250 and Rs 100 will be available at Ajanta Hotel on MG Road, Super Market on Brigade Road and Reliance Communications outlets in Mathikere, Basaveshwara Nagar ,   Rajajinagar, Vyalikaval, Sheshadripuram.