Now, street plays to support Annagiri

HYDERABAD: Almost every citizen has been a victim of corruption in some point in their life, and now want to bid goodbye to it. Like the other cities across India, Hyderabad also has been coming up with different marches and rallies, even the art fraternity has put a step forward in extending their support to Anna. City-based theatre group Nishumbita performed a street play, “Bhrashtachar ke Khilaf Awaaz” at People’s Plaza recently to educate people about the Jan Lokpal Bill. The play focussed on putting forward Anna’s views to people and explained the importance of having a Jan Lokpal Bill and also the difference between Lokpal and the Jan Lokpal.      Ram Mohan Holagundi, director of Nishumbita, who has been a victim of corruption himself, is raising his voice through art, to put an and end to it. “I too had to face corruption in my life. Not once, but many times and since I was helpless, I fell prey to it,” says Holagundi adding, “I had to pay a bribe of `2,000 for an application to obtain the death certificate of my brother. I was sent across to so many places by the authorities of a private hospital in the city. We staged the play to highlight the importance of such a bill and bring in more awareness on its need.”Holagundi feels that theatre as a medium is very affective in spreading awareness. “Instead of giving printed material, one can always use alternative means to educate people. It is more affective and appealing,” he says adding, “When we started the play, there were hardly 50 people. But, as the play progressed people started coming from all directions and by the end we were surrounded by over 500 people. They were very much involved in the play and I guess our purpose was served.” “People always connect better with performing arts and we will be performing more of this to reach out to Hyderabadis and extend our support to the movement,” he adds. The group will also be performing again on the coming Sunday at Peoples’ Plaza and this time Holagundi has also organised for drummers and folk singers who will perform during the rally to create awareness.Talking about corruption affecting the common man, Holagundi says, “A common man is taken for granted so much, that nobody actually knows what their needs are. Every person has been a victim of corruption during some point of time in their life. They are very much angry now, and now when there is means to kill it, why not support it?” Another member of Nishumbita and a participant of the street play, Keshav Deepak says, “We are putting all our efforts to make it possible for Anna’s team to achieve the goal of a non-corrupt society. When the whole country is fighting for this cause, we are trying from our side to spread the message more effectively.”The street play demonstrated by the group portrayed how common people are affected and also how even politicians and public servants are involved in the spread of corruption. “The passing of bill might not end corruption completely, but this is at least the start. Thanks to Annaji,” Holagundi says.