Home / Arts and Entertainment / 3-Hour Play 'Adrak Ke Panje' Graced 10,000 Shows
3-Hour Play 'Adrak Ke Panje' Graced 10,000 Shows
19 Apr
Summary
- A play written in three hours became a global hit.
- Iconic comedy ran for over three decades.
- Writer sold jewelry to fund the initial production.
In August 1965, amidst war, a 22-year-old wrote 'Adrak Ke Panje' in three hours under Hyderabad's streetlights. This iconic comedy, addressing family planning with wit, eventually saw over 10,000 performances worldwide, often to packed houses. The play's creator, Babban Khan, who also starred in it, passed away on Friday night in Hyderabad at age 83.
Khan, an untrained artist, sold his mother's wedding jewelry for Rs 275 to finance the play. Despite an initial flop, the second performance marked the beginning of its enduring success. 'Adrak Ke Panje' resonated deeply, becoming a metaphor for uncontrolled growth and eliciting uproarious laughter.
Over three decades, the play achieved global acclaim, being performed in over 60 countries and multiple languages. Its success turned Babban Khan into a millionaire, enabling him to live a life of comfort. His home later became a hub for aspiring actors, continuing his passion for the arts.
