Houston: Actors Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta-starring play, "Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha", is earning accolades in all major US cities, since its first sold out event here on August 7.
Directed and written by Rakesh Bedi, the play keeps the audience glued in the web of wit and range of emotions and brings them down the cherished memory lane.
It tells the story of a man called Preetam (Kher), his struggles and his love. The 60-year-old actor has managed to draw in crowds as well as high praise from all across the US.
Gupta, as Hema Roy Preetam's lover, and as Nigaar his wife, is absolutely flawless. Switching from one role and accent to another, depicting two very different characters with a corresponding array of emotions in both, showcases Gupta's versatile talent. The play is crisp, fast-paced, with not a single dull moment in the almost two-hour production.
A new concept is employed in the production of this play the use of multimedia. A large video screen depicts flashbacks and there are even interactive dialogues between the actors on stage and those on the screen.
Kher said the play is not a love story but about relationships and misunderstanding and has a universal appeal.
"It is not a love story, but a story about relationships, misunderstandings and our awkwardness in dealing with the truth. It has universal appeal.
"It's amazing how someone who meant the world to you sometimes turns into merely an acquaintance over time. We often skirt delicate issues by saying 'Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha'."
Gupta said she was fortunate to have been offered this play with such a talented team while the director was all praises for his lead actors. Every town has a sold out event and audiences have enjoyed and are raving about it, said Rajendra Singh of Star Promotions.
Singh watched the play in India and was so impressed that he immediately decided to share his experience by becoming the national promoter so he could bring it across North America.
Since his home is Houston, having the inaugural show here was an obvious choice. It is said, by public demand Star Promotion has added an extra show of the play in Houston to the already hectic schedule of more than 25 cities, which include Vancouver and Toronto. The show will run till September 13.
