Love and a little secret: How a Pune musical gives audiences relationship advice | Pune News

Kulkarni’s strength lies in telling stories that highlight family values ​​and strong relationships. The plot of Noor Manzil, written by Vaidehi Sancheti, revolves around an autobiographical book by Prof Kabir Sharma. Though Sharma authored the work, he does not want it published or made available to the public. However, his long-time partner, Dr Zubeida Ansari, is convinced that the book should be published. The couple met in Delhi and came to Mumbai, from where, after a period of struggle, they moved to Pune to live a retired life. “Why one partner wants the book to be published and the other does not, therein lies the twist of the story,” says Kulkarni. Another couple enters their story to heighten the emotional layer.

Noor Manzil has developed a form of storytelling that includes dramatic readings, poetry, live music and dance, technology and elaborate costumes. Radio, the indispensable companion of people of earlier times, plays an important role in the play. The pace of action in the two-and-a-half-hour play is fast to suit the short attention span of modern audiences. Noor Manzil was conceived as part of art and literary events that Kulkarni and a group of friends organized to showcase the beauty of Indian languages. “Though I am a typical Marathi, I have a deep love for Urdu and Hindi,” says Kulkarni. Noor Manzil uses the dialect of North India, where English, Urdu and Hindi blend fluidly.

“Most importantly, the play conveys the message that relationships can be difficult, but with love, a couple can stay together for life. I see that many young people do not want to commit because they lack trust. The story of the retired couple shows that we have to take the first step with love,” says Kulkarni.