In the heart of Lahore, where history whispers through the walls of its ancient monuments and the air carries the fragrance of a rich cultural legacy, the Government College University (GCU) Dramatics Club is set to breathe life into a century-old dream. This February, the club will stage Anarkali, the iconic play written by Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj in 1922, as its 135th annual production. For the first time in history, the original script, penned exclusively for the Dramatics Club, will be performed on stage, marking a momentous occasion for Urdu literature and theatre enthusiasts alike.
The play will run for five days, from February 24 to 28, at the Bukhari Auditorium, promising an unforgettable journey into the grandeur of the Mughal era and immortalized by the tragic tale of love, power, and sacrifice. Directed by Umer Darr, a seasoned theatre, film, and television professional, this production is not just a play—it is a celebration of art, history, and the enduring power of storytelling.
The story of Anarkali is one that has captivated hearts for centuries. Set in the opulent courts of Emperor Akbar, it tells the tale of a court dancer, Anarkali, whose beauty and grace enchant Prince Salim, the heir to the Mughal throne. Their forbidden love becomes a battleground for loyalty, duty, and the unyielding will of a father-king. Imtiaz Ali Taj’s rendition of this timeless narrative is a masterpiece of Urdu drama. It is celebrated for its poetic dialogues, complex characters, and emotional depth.
What makes this production particularly special is its historical significance! Written by Taj at the tender age of 22, Anarkali was performed at various places during his lifetime. Now, after 100 years, the GCU Dramatics Club is fulfilling a long-awaited dream, bringing the playwright’s vision to the stage in its original form for the present-day audience.
Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj, born on October 13, 1900, in Lahore, was a literary giant whose contributions to Urdu literature remain unparalleled. A graduate of Government College Lahore, Taj was not only a playwright but also a prolific writer, translator, and intellectual. His passion for theatre blossomed during his time at the college, where he was an active member of the Dramatics Club. It was here that he penned Anarkali, a play that would go on to become a cornerstone of Urdu drama.
The play’s global popularity is evident from the thousands of stage performances it has inspired worldwide. Its influence extends beyond theatre, having inspired numerous films in the subcontinent, including the legendary Mughal-e-Azam, the classic Anarkali, and the modern retelling Supreme Ishq. Each adaptation has brought its own flavor to the tale, but none have matched the raw emotional power and literary brilliance of Taj’s original script.
The GCU Dramatics Club’s decision to stage Anarkali is a tribute to this legacy. The production promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle, with elaborate sets, period costumes, and performances that bring the Mughal era to life. The play’s director, Umer Darr, brings nearly a decade of experience in theatre, film, and television to the project. His vision for the play is to stay true to Taj’s original script while infusing it with a contemporary sensibility that resonates with today’s audiences.
The cast and crew, comprising students and alumni of GCU, have been working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the production is flawless. From the intricate choreography to the soul-stirring music, every detail has been carefully crafted to transport the audience to the world of Anarkali. The play’s dialogues, known for their poetic beauty and emotional intensity, are expected to leave a lasting impression on those who witness it.
The significance of this production extends beyond its artistic merits. It is a celebration of GCU’s rich cultural heritage and its role in nurturing some of the greatest minds in Urdu literature. The university has long been a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, and the Dramatics Club has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of Lahore. By staging Anarkali, the club is not only honoring the legacy of Imtiaz Ali Taj but also reaffirming its commitment to preserving and promoting Urdu theatre.
For the audience, this production offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of literary history. The tale of Anarkali is one that transcends time and space, speaking to the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the clash between individual desire and societal norms. As the curtains rise at the Bukhari Auditorium, viewers will be transported to a world where love knows no bounds and where the echoes of history resonate with the present.
In the words of Imtiaz Ali Taj, art is not just a reflection of life; it is life itself, distilled into its purest form. The GCU Dramatics Club’s production of Anarkali is a testament to this belief. It is a reminder of the power of art to move, inspire, and transform. As the play unfolds over its five-day run, it will undoubtedly cast a spell on all who witness it, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.
This February, as the city of Lahore gathers to celebrate this historic production, it will not just be a play that is being staged—it will be a dream, a century in the making, finally coming to life. The tale of Anarkali is one that has been told and retold, but never like this. This is not just a performance; it is a resurrection of a legacy, a tribute to a literary genius, and a celebration of the enduring power of love and art.
The Bukhari Auditorium awaits, and with it, the promise of an unforgettable experience. For those who have the privilege of witnessing this production, it will be more than just a play—it will be a moment in history, a story that will live on in their memories forever. As the lights dim and the first lines are spoken, the audience will be reminded of the timeless truth that lies at the heart of Anarkali: that love, in all its forms, is the most powerful force in the world.
And so, the stage is set, the actors are ready, and the story of Anarkali is about to unfold once more, as it was always meant to. A century may have passed, but the magic of Imtiaz Ali Taj’s words remains as potent as ever. This is not just a play; it is a legacy, a dream, and a promise—a promise that art, like love, is eternal.
