The Indian Express reports
A play inspired by a short story written in the 1960s, which prophesised the rise of religious extremists and bombing of mosques in Pakistan, was staged before packed audiences in the federal capital.
When Dhanak, the short story by noted Urdu writer Ghulam Abbas, was read out to a select audience in Lahore four decades ago, it had caused a furore with rightwing writers and critics enraged at the portrayal of religious zealous in it.
They believed the story was exaggerated and distorted and ruled that ‘no Muslim can ever conceive of killing religious leaders or bombing mosques’.
Following the reading, Abbas had to be escorted out of the hall for his own safety and the story was never included in any of his collections.
With the story becoming so believable in the present day Pakistan, Hotel Mohenjodaro, the play by leading theatre group Ajoka, was sadly not shocking.
The prophetic writing couldn’t have been closer to the ‘ugly reality’ of present day Pakistan, said its creators.
The play has become a huge hit in the Land of the Pure, religious zealots notwithstanding. Assuming it will be staged in India, what is the wager that it will be banned?
Tags: Commentary, Indian Politics, International Politics, Islam Watch, Society & Culture, Terrorism & Pakistan
Sandeep…..
I will bet my entire wealth on this one…..IT WILL BE BANNED….Why????
Coz it hurts the sentiments of the RULERS of our current government….
Totally OT, but take a look at this:
http://www.ndtvprofit.com/2008/06/14155938/Promote-Islamic-banking-in-Ind.html
Why do we even bother calling ourselves a secular country.
Sandeep
This is OT - but kudos to Rajnath Singh for having said this straight like it is - though I think he was a bit mild in his use of words
http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/15ndeal.htm
Awaiting a response from you on this
Niketan,
Mild he was. Well, ever since its inception, Commies have always sworn allegiance to foreign powers. This is expected but it’s amazing how our political set up lets them get away with it.
Agree about the commmunists extra-territorial loyalties. What is significant is the first time a leader has said it so bluntly. Waiting for Resident idiots reaction on this
Regarding the topic discussed, I am betting it will be banned. The UPA set of clowns will definitely surpass the theatre of the absurd. Some mad mullah will denounce this play and spineless shikhandi Manmohan Singh will ban this play