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Gandhi's Youth: Monologue's Bold 3-Language Feat
2 Oct
Summary
- Pratik Gandhi holds a decade-old record for a monologue in three languages.
- The play explores Gandhi's life before his 'Mahatma' status.
- The production faced initial resistance and logistical challenges.
A decade ago, on June 10, 2016, Pratik Gandhi achieved a unique feat by performing a monologue in Hindi, English, and Gujarati on the same day at Prithvi Theatre, earning a spot in the Limca Book of Records.
The play, 'Mohan No Masalo,' directed by Manoj Shah, was conceived after Shah saw Gandhiji's image on a currency note, inspiring them to explore the young Gandhi's life.
Initially, the concept was met with stern reservations by director Manoj Shah, who initially dismissed it as a mere corporate goal for Pratik Gandhi.
Written by Ishan Doshi, the play was first performed in Gujarati and English, with Satya Mehta assisting in the Gujarati adaptation, and later a Hindi version was developed for a Dubai performance with Mihir Bhuta's help.
The production faced significant challenges, including early morning rehearsals for Pratik Gandhi, who was a full-time industrial engineer, and last-minute script adjustments.
Despite initial hiccups, the play resonates with contemporary audiences, including Gen Z, who connect with Gandhi's fearless nature and the play's exploration of his pre-Mahatma persona.
The play has been performed for diverse audiences, from children's festivals to military bases, and continues to inspire, with Pratik Gandhi noting that ahimsa is the highest form of bravery.
A memorable performance in the US for JAINA involved rapid language switching due to audience demand, leading to a chaotic yet standing ovation-worthy show.
