awkward crushes, stolen glances, butterflies in your stomach and wings to your life! ‘Prem Kabootar’ was a hilarious play that transported the viewers to their first fumbling love.

Written by the acclaimed actor-playwright Manav Kaul (of Tumhari Sulu fame), ‘Prem Kabootar’, the heartwarming drama, explored the lives of three teenage friends: Bollywood enthusiast Suneel, casanova tailor Saleem, and awkward chaiwala Raju. Set in a small town, the play revolved around their crushes on peppy Meenakshi and her friend Neena.

Staged as part of the Sheila Bharat Ram Theatre Festival by Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA),it navigated the world of love letters, imaginary characters and dreamy narratives, with the innocence and complexity of youth.

What truly elevated ‘Prem Kabootar’ was the execution. Director Sameep Singh, an alumni of National School of Drama and former repertory chief of SRCPA, deserved a standing ovation for bringing Kaul’s vision to life. The effortless energy of the cast, the witty dialogue kept the audience glued to their seats.

‘Prem Kabootar’ wasn’t just about laughs; it showcased the evolution of Indian theatre. Moving beyond mythological tales, this play embraced a contemporary theme, acknowledging the influence of OTT platforms and their meaty content. The result was a fresh and relatable story that resonated with modern urban audiences.

The play’s charm lay in its details. From the seamless movement between scenes to the actors cleverly doubling as props, ‘Prem Kabootar’ captured the essence of a modern love story. Bollywood music, vibrant costumes, and glamourised lighting enhanced the experience.

Each character brought a unique flavour to the play. Saleem, the flamboyant dandy; Raju, the sweet but unprepared lover; and Suneel, the dreamer who wanted to live vicariously through Saleem – their interactions were peppered with humour and heartfelt moments.

Prem Kabootar’s talented cast brought these characters to life with remarkable energy. Amartya Bhattacharya and Manish Sharma shared the role of Suneel; Ashutosh Singh Rathore delivered a captivating performance as Saleem, and Pranav Srivastava charmed as the endearing Raju. The supporting cast, including Manisha as Meenakshi, Rudrani Hadda as Neena, and Aman Kumar as Pappu, strengthened the performance.

Music operator Shashank Jamloki and technician Radhe Shyam also deserved the applause for their excellent timing and support.