Shadows of Memory: A Dazzling Tribute to Sahir Ludhianvi’s Anti-War Masterpiece "Parchhaiyan"

Jaipur/New Delhi/Udaipur — The timeless shadows of Sahir Ludhianvi’s poetry came alive on stage at the Rajasthan India International Centre, Jaipur, through the powerful dance-drama Parchhaiyan (Ae Shareef Insano). This grand production, conceptualized around Ludhianvi’s iconic nazm, reflected the poet’s haunting memories of war and humanity’s struggle, encapsulated with deep artistic sensitivity.

Directed by renowned ghazal singer Dr. Prem Bhandari and veteran cultural director Dr. Laiq Hussain, the performance was staged under the joint aegis of India International Centre Jaipur and The Performers Culture Society, Udaipur. This was the second major presentation of the production following its Udaipur debut. The event marked a rare convergence of literature, music, and dance in a soul-stirring format.

The 90-minute performance depicted the global state of despair before and after World War II, presenting a visceral critique of war and a call for world peace. Thirty performers took the stage in a mesmerizing act that held the audience spellbound throughout the evening.

The music and performance direction were masterfully executed by Dr. Prem Bhandari, while the overall coordination and stage direction were carried out by Dr. Laiq Hussain, affiliated with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur. The core of the drama revolved around Sahir’s celebrated nazm Parchhaiyan, a work hailed by literary stalwarts such as Ali Sardar Jafri for its epic narrative and deep poetic structure.

Dignitaries present at the event included Rajasthan India International Centre Director Nihal Chand Goel, Veena Music’s Chairman K.C. Maloo, former Director General of Police Manoj Bhatt, and Jaswant Singh, elder brother of legendary ghazal singer Jagjit Singh. They felicitated the creative team, including performers and composers, with heartfelt appreciation.

The production featured vocal contributions from Dr. Prem Bhandari, Sadhana Sargam, and Dr. Pamil Bhandari Modi, with musical arrangements by Asit Desai, Dr. Raghu Upadhyay, and Sushil Chaudhary. Dance choreography was led by Shipra Chatterjee, costume design by Anukampa Laiq, technical direction by Kaviraj Laiq, and support by assistant director Prabuddh Pandey. Production responsibilities were overseen by Dr. J.K. Tayalia, with stage management by G.S. Puri.

Sahir Ludhianvi, born in March 1921 in Ludhiana, remains as celebrated for his non-film poetry as for his film lyrics. Parchhaiyan, a long-form poetic masterpiece, stands as a stark and poignant denunciation of war, relevant now more than ever. This dramatic adaptation added new dimensions to its interpretation.

Dr. Prem Bhandari, who had envisioned a stage adaptation of the nazm four decades ago, finally saw his dream materialize with breathtaking impact. His voice brought fresh emotional depth to Sahir’s words, unveiling meanings previously unnoticed even by longtime admirers of the poem.

In an era when art often shies away from socio-political commentary, Parchhaiyan stood out as a courageous, lyrical, and unforgettable expression of humanity’s deepest wounds—and hopes. It was not just a performance; it was an artistic revelation, leaving audiences transformed, contemplative, and profoundly moved.