Family drama on stage

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Family drama on stage

Sunday, 26 January 2025 | SAKSHI PRIYA

Family drama on stage

Shailesh Lodha’s theatre debut delivers humour, emotion and family chaos, says SAKSHI PRIYA

When I first heard that Shailesh Lodha was making his debut on the theatre stage in Dad’s Girlfriend, I was intrigued. Known for his wit and charming presence on television, particularly for his role in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Lodha’s transition to theatre seemed like an exciting challenge. His comedic timing and subtle humour have made him a household name, but how would that translate to the stage, where the dynamics are different and every performance is live?

The play Dad’s Girlfriend turned out to be a delightful mix of humour, family dynamics and emotional complexity. Lodha plays Animesh, a successful author and professor who returns to his estranged daughter Diya and her husband Kanav after years of emotional distance. From the outset, it becomes evident that the story is not only about comedy but also about reconnecting, understanding, and navigating personal challenges within a family. Lodha brings a grounded yet comedic presence to Animesh, capturing his complexity with both humour and a hint of vulnerability. He’s not just the larger-than-life character you might expect; there’s a human side to him that makes his emotional journey relatable.

Kanav, played by Aman Bajpai, adds a refreshing comic energy to the stage. His character starts out trying to navigate the awkwardness of having his father-in-law around, and his reactions provide much of the laughter throughout the play. But what stands out is how the character develops, revealing deeper layers of insecurity and emotional turmoil as the story progresses.

Then there’s Avni, a fan of Animesh played by Megha Mathur. She brings a surprising element to the play, stirring emotions and creating a sense of jealousy and tension, especially between her and Diya, played by Anumeha Jain. Their interactions bring a mix of comedy and conflict, creating a dynamic that keeps the audience engaged.

Under the direction of Atul Satya Koushik, Dad’s Girlfriend strikes a balance between humour and emotional depth. The play effectively captures the complexities of family relationships, the generational gaps that often create misunderstandings, and the awkward yet beautiful ways love can play out in the midst of it all. It’s not a light-hearted farce; instead, it offers a deeper reflection on how we navigate family bonds, often balancing humour and pain.

What I found most striking about the performance was how humour blended with moments of genuine emotional depth. The comedy is sharp, but it’s the emotional weight of the story that stays with you. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges and complexities of relationships, the desire to reconnect and understand each other remains at the heart of family dynamics. The actors, especially Lodha, deliver performances that are both engaging and thought-provoking, making Dad’s Girlfriend a memorable experience for anyone who’s ever tried to bridge the gap between love, laughter, and the misunderstandings that come with it.

As the curtain fell and the audience slowly made their way out, there was one thing on everyone’s mind, Dad’s Girlfriend is a reminder that life, like theatre, is full of unexpected twists, laughs and those cringe-worthy moments that we can’t help but love. After all, if you can survive family drama, flirtations and a father-in-law with a slightly over-the-top personality, you can survive anything! Just like the play, sometimes the best moments come when you least expect them and in this case, it was a delightful mix of humour, heart and a little bit of chaos. It left me thinking, maybe we should all take a page from Animesh’s book and learn to laugh at the absurdity of life.

Photos: Pankaj Kumar

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