Bringing life into a dead man’s role is not easy. But Saharssh Bubna rose to the occasion. As the dead Vikram Khanna he teamed up with his spiritual guru Khan to bring the stage alive at Lamakaan this evening.

It was a Taher directed play and an Octopus production. And before I say anything else I think Taher, Rahul and Sadiq, the Producer  should take a bow and receive the well earned applause.

So there are two people Geeta and Rohan…Unnati and Nikhil…widowed mother and harassed son. Unnati in a unique ‘I am ignoring my husband simply because I can’t see him’ kind of a role excelled. She was natural and poised. Her acting was very fluid. And the way she played disdainfully with her ever slipping dupatta was a delight to watch

Nikhil…Rohan was a young confused kid who was shutting out the outer world with a pair of headphones. The role that demanded that he dress down a bit, and act a bit weird could so easily have gone to the other side of slapstick…but it is Nikhil we are talking about. A controlled performance was what he had in mind, and that is what we got. Kudos.

Similarly Lilly could have been a ‘just walk on’ character. But Hyma Varshini had other ideas. She breezed in and breezed out and even though she got her laughs for Lilly, don’t be Silly…she did well to give her role meaning.

Sameer was one character who let me down a bit. Kreash Raj is a talented young fellow and I may have expected too much. He was adequate, but that is not a comfort zone for people like him. The role could have been grasped a little tighter, the ownership of character could have been better. Especially because he has two entries…once as a suave playboy…and the second time, as a conman par excellence…and the bullied sister of the Queen Con. I have a feeling that the next time this play is put up…Ravindra Bharati I hear…Sameer will distinguish effectively between his two dimensions.

Deepa Joshi…oh Deepa…what a transformation. Her tantric con woman act was all about presence…about voice modulation and gallery performances. And she came through in all departments. Was a delight when she was conning, better when she was scared of the paranormal…and missed when she left in a hurry.

Sherin Bhat joined the Aam Aadmi Party and broomed around the stage with her effervescent smile. And made sure that no one could say “Munni badnaam hui”.

All in all, a wonderful evening at Lamakaan. Thank God the plastic sheet on top of the audience remained an unused prop. And bar a couple of audio disturbances and a couple of flickers of the lights…tech was near perfect. Well done guys…looking forward to more.

And if there is anyone out there who thinks I am writing a positive review just because they gave me a free ticket…if you are so thinking after seeing the play, do drop by at Lamakaan tomorrow after 4 pm. I will personally come there and kick you into submission.

And for those of you who couldn’t make it, don’t miss the next time.

Cheers.