Spotlight on the travails of the old

After spending hours working in the office, everyone requires some quality time to spend with friends and family, especially during weekends. But there are few who do not believe in following the league. Such are the members of Toli- the theatre group of the NGO, Lion Society for Arts and Social Welfare. Coming from all walks of life, these professionals transform into theatre artistes on weekends and perform plays on various social issues.

Recently, this group of young professionals performed at Nirmaan Vihar, highlighting the agony of senior citizens who are left at God’s mercy, in old-age homes. As a part of the play Kabaad, people who have been working as managers, software engineers and even students presented an act inspired from real life stories.

Written and directed by Rajeev Sinha, the story revolves around Mishraji (played by Tarandeep Singh), his son Mahesh (played by Mayank Jain) and daughter-in-law Seema (played by Tanvi Kalra). Mahesh and Seema plan to send Mishraji to an old-age home because they are unwilling to fulfil their responsibilities towards the eldest member of the family.

They consider Mishraji as an added burden on the family resources and therefore on a suggestion given by a kabaadiwallah, they decide to send him to a home for the elderly.

Amidst all the chaos, Mishraji’s grandson Aadi raises his voice against his parents, reminding them of his grandfather’s contribution to the family. He tries hard to garner support of everyone in the family, both emotionally and financially, but despite all his efforts, Aadi is unable to convince
his inflexible parents. Finally, Shaukat Miyaan a friend of Mishraji takes him to his old-age home, where he himself has been staying for a long time.


“In almost all our plays, the story revolves around senior citizens,” says director Rajeev Sinha, who is an entertainment producer with a media house. “Considering how families today treat old people, the title of the play Kabaad goes very well with it. The play has been performed in more than 70 different places like streets, malls, societies and apartments and has received a good response.”

Talking about the people who are part of the drama society, Sinha says, “It is a means through which working class plays its role in creating awareness. It’s their contribution to the society.”

Apart from Kabaad, Jod - Muththi Bhar Dard and May I Help You are other plays of the group, which are also being performed every Sunday to support the senior citizens staying at old age homes.