Fawad Khan's 'Betaali Prem Katha' leaves audiences awestruck

Pakistan's foremost performing arts organisation, The National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), has released yet another world-class theatre performance in Karachi.

The play Betaali Prem Katha is inspired by a tale from the ancient Sanskrit epic ‘Kathasaritsagara’. It premiered in Karachi on August 14 and has left audiences raving.

Despite the rainy weather conditions in Karachi, people continue to show up for the artistic treat. Viewers have consistently given a positive response to the play and are nothing but praise for Fawad Khan's script and direction along with the artists' performances.

Fawad Khan is a prominent name in the world of theatre and arts, famous for his unique playwriting and directing style.

Khan is inspired by the famous Pakistani writer of Urdu novels and short stories — Intizar Hussain. He wanted to create a story which could depict deep-rooted South Asian cultures and traditions with a pinch of 'Nautanki'. With Betaali Prem Katha, it is for the first time a Pakistani writer has written and adapted a Hindi language play. 

The subtle humour added by Khan makes the drama all the more entertaining to watch. Though the play takes place in a magical realm, the message it contains is very close to reality.

Five traditional compositions by music director Ahsan Bari also enrich the experience.

At the start of the play, the cast dances to a traditional song performed by Bhagat Bhoora Laal and his band. Then, a character Prem is established (played by Raheel Siddiqui — a well-known theatre artist who is also famous for his DastanGoii) who accidentally comes to a city called Roopnagar where he encounters a Genie-like creature Betaal (played by Sunil Shankar — a renowned TV actor and theatre artist) who possesses magical powers.

Beetal, with his powers, creates a play in which Prem plays a part and informs him that a question would be asked at the end of it. He tells him if he is able to give the right answer, his life would be spared, and if not, then he would smash his head into pieces and drink his blood. 

The audience can experience the true essence of the ancient culture, from the performances of theatre actors to the musical embellishments.

Furthermore, Tariq Raja and Ossama Ranjha have created an immersive, deeply layered set which does justice to the city 'Roopnagar'. 

Erum Basheer, costume designer and theatre artist, has carefully designed the costumes for the play keeping in mind the different personalities the characters possess. The colours also contrast those of the set adding to the visual appeal of the drama.