Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) hosted Rangyug’s much-celebrated Dogri play Chanchlo at its Matrika auditorium. The performance, sponsored by Board of Cultural Activities (BCA) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) and presented in collaboration with 92.7 BIG FM through their initiative Hands for Humanity, was witnessed by faculty members, students, theatre enthusiasts, members of the cultural fraternity, and dignitaries including Dr. Rakesh Thusoo, President of the BCA.
Chanchlo, originally written in Hindi by eminent playwright Nadira Zaheer Babbar (Sakubai) and adapted into Dogri by RJ Dr. Juhie Mohan, has been designed and directed by veteran theatre personality Shri Deepak Kumar. The performance by RJ Dr. Juhie Mohan (BIG FM) deeply moved the audience, as her powerful and emotionally charged portrayal of the character held them spellbound for over 90 minutes.
Dr. Rakesh Thusoo, President BCA, lauded the initiative, stating: “We are delighted to host Rangyug and their remarkable production Chanchlo. Theatre has the power to not only entertain but also to sensitise society to deeper issues. Chanchlo has brought to light the unspoken struggles of many in our community while celebrating the strength of the Dogri language. We are proud to host such a meaningful performance at our University.” We believe such initiatives greatly enrich the academic and cultural environment of our university, inspiring students to engage with the arts, broaden their horizons and carry forward the responsibility of preserving our linguistic and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Deepak Kumar, Director Rangyug, said: “Chanchlo is not just a story of one woman, but of countless voices from the margins. Through this play, Rangyug is attempting to hold a mirror to society, to encourage self-realisation, and to inspire collective responsibility. I am grateful to SMVDU for providing this platform and to the students and faculty whose overwhelming response strengthens our resolve to continue creating theatre that transforms.”
The play was backed by a dedicated creative and backstage team: Ashish Sharma as Assistant Director, Shivan Gupta on music and sound, Pankaj Sharma and Gourav on lights, make-up by Shammi Dhamir, and props by Neharika. Soham Kashyap, Sumit, Poonam and Aamir Akram Khan also played an important role, ensuring the seamless execution and success of the performance.
The play, which had its premiere at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, in a landmark presentation sponsored by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was later staged at the University of Jammu to an equally enthusiastic response. Its performance at SMVDU marks another milestone in the journey of this experimental Dogri theatre production, reaffirming its artistic relevance and cultural impact.
The story of Chanchlo highlights the struggles and resilience of a domestic worker navigating displacement, exploitation and survival, making it both a poignant theatrical experience and a commentary on contemporary social realities. The audience at SMVDU responded with standing ovations and heartfelt appreciation, acknowledging Rangyug’s efforts in preserving and promoting Dogri language and culture through innovative theatre.
Rangyug also announced that Chanchlo will be staged as a charity show at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, on September 20, 2025. This special performance will be held on donor tickets, and the proceeds will go towards relief for flood-affected families in Jammu & Kashmir.
