The Day The State Split Asunder - 36

As planned the same evening they went to meet Babji at Ravindra Bharathi auditorium. In the rehearsal room, everyone was clad in their costumes. 

'Uncle, she is my friend Sanjana. She is interested in performing the role of Draupadi. In case you haven't finalised anyone. Why don't you give her the chance?' Karthik said to Babji.

'Well! Sanjana dear! Let me take your test! This character which you are going to play is not an easy one. You have to display emotions both in your dialogues and your facial expressions must amplify them. Did you get my point?' Babji said.

'I understood uncle. I am ready.'

    Babji gave her the sheet and said, 'Now, learn these dialogues and perform in front of us. As soon as Dushasan throws you down onto the floor. You should cry your heart out in pain. Then when Duryodhan starts insulting you, your voice should reflect helplessness and fear and finally the disrobing one will be in the shadow background and once it is done you should display your anger admonishing everyone in the court and issue a warning to Dushasan and Duryodhana.'

    'I have seen these in movies, uncle. I will better visualise it for some time and then perform. But give me at least thirty minutes.'

    'Hmm… Okay!'

Babji then gave Karthik a few dialogues but Karthik couldn't deliver as the language was a bit old Telugu dialect which more or less resembled tongue twisters.

'I am sorry dear! You cannot perform the role of Duryodhan. You are in no way a match to your father,' Babji said.

'Does it mean I will not have any role?' Karthik asked.

'Please don't feel bad. Ultimately the performance matters the most. Why don't you take up the role of Dushasan.'

'There are not many dialogues for it.'

'But-'

'Uncle I am ready! Can I perform?' Sanjana interjected.

'Ok! Start then!' Babji said.

 Sanjana walked to the middle of the room and lay down on the floor. She then started crying as if someone had really hurt her. She then got up and delivered the dialogues as given in the sheet with emotions of anger, fear and resentment. She contracted and expanded her eyes accordingly. For a moment it appeared as if Draupadi had incarnated again. Everyone in the room started clapping at her performance.

Babji came forward and said, 'Sanjana, God bless you, dear. This has been the best performance I ever witnessed in my life. I am glad that you came forward to take up this role. Everything is perfect but just make some alterations in your posture while making yourself angry. Your head should be raised slightly a bit high. Because Draupadi is a Queen.'

'Uncle, had it not been for Karthik, I would have missed this opportunity!' Sanjana replied.

'Karthik,' Babji said, turning towards Karthik. 'Thank you, dear! Let's begin the practice.'