GUWAHATI: The second day of the 7th edition of the GPlus Guwahati Theatre Festival saw a spectacular performance of Rael Padamsee’s Ace Productions,‘Anything But Love’on September 28 at the Pragjyoti ITA Centre, Machkhowa.
Directed by Vikrant Pawar and starring the dynamic duo, Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni, this play, now in its 20th year and having over 400 shows worldwide, explores the intricacies of modern relationships.
‘Anything But Love’ delves into themes such as compatibility, trust, mutual respect, and personal space, and judging from the enraptured audience, the play resonated deeply with the Guwahati audience. The plot revolves around Anish (played by Samir Soni) and Seema (Mandira Bedi), a divorced couple who unexpectedly meet at a restaurant five years after their separation. Though Seema is now married to Shekhar, and Anish enjoys the carefree life of a bachelor, their chance reunion stirs old feelings.
The play humorously traces their second attempt at love, as they navigate their individual differences to make it work. The well-etched personalities of Seema, a confident and analytical woman, and Anish, a charming man-child, make them a relatable pair for the audience.
The festival also had a day long dance competition for kids of ages six to nineteen as a part of the Performing Arts segment.
“The audience turnout for Anything But Love is a testament to the fact that people in Guwahati are keen on engaging with live theatre and understand the value performing arts. Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni’s performance at the Guwahati Theatre Festival makes us excited for the future possibilities of the festival. We are also grateful to our partners, associates and patrons who supported us to make today successful,” said Sidharth Bedi Varma, Chief Executive Officer, GPlus.
On the final day, September 29, the audience can expect a laughter-filled performance of “Hidden Agendas”, another Rael Padamsee Ace Production, directed by the internationally acclaimed Karla Singh. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Tannaz Irani, Anu Menon, Dilnaz Irani, Sid Makkar, Gaurav Sharma, ZervaanBunshah, Varun Narayan, and Renee Sen, Hidden Agendas is sure to leave the audience in splits with their comedic genius.
The seventh edition of the festival is initiated by GPlus and powered by The Assam Tribune, in association with Apollo Hospitals Guwahatiand supported byNumaligarh Refinery Limited, NTPC Bongaigaon, NEDFi, Indian Bank, State Bank of India, Poddar Car World, Bureau of Indian Standards, Outreach Advertising, and Novotel Guwahati.