Shimla, June 11
The historic atmosphere of the iconic Gaiety Theatre resonated with laughter and applause on Thursday evening as theatre group The Beginners presented the comedy play “Bishti Laani” as part of the ongoing International Shimla Summer Festival-2026 cultural celebrations.
Adapted from renowned Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s celebrated comedy The Proposal, the play has been creatively reimagined within a Himachali setting by noted Shimla theatre personality Kapil Dev Sharma, who also wrote and directed the production.
Blending satire, humour, and local cultural flavours, Bishti Laani explores how affluent families often view marriage as a means of safeguarding and expanding their economic interests. Through a series of amusing misunderstandings and lively exchanges, the play offers a witty commentary on human nature, family ambitions, and social relationships.
The story revolves around Amru, a young man eager to marry Sarla, the daughter of Badri Nath Sohta. However, his inability to clearly express his feelings, coupled with endless arguments over trivial issues, creates a chain of comic situations. Concerned that the prospective alliance may collapse, Sarla’s father intervenes and arranges their marriage to secure the family’s interests. Yet even after marriage, the couple’s relentless bickering and humorous disputes continue, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.
Presented in Hindi with rich touches of Himachali folk culture, local dialects, and mountain slang, the production successfully connected with audiences across generations. The play vividly portrayed the rural lifestyle, traditions, and social customs of the Shimla region, bringing local culture alive on stage.
The performance stood out for its lively dialogues, strong character portrayals, and authentic regional flavour. The audience responded enthusiastically, frequently breaking into laughter as the actors skillfully navigated the play’s humorous twists and turns.
As part of the International Shimla Summer Festival-2026, Bishti Laani showcased the vibrant synergy between theatre and folk culture, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to promoting local artistic traditions while presenting timeless stories in a contemporary regional context.
The evening concluded with prolonged applause, marking yet another memorable cultural presentation in the festival’s ongoing celebration of art, heritage, and community spirit.
