Tughlaq: going strong at 50

Tughlaq , Girish Karnad’s iconic play that has seen hundreds of productions and multiple translations, completed 50 years this year. The play, which was interpreted as an allegory on the Nehruvian era when it was written, has since seen a number of new interpretations in keeping with the changing times.

The play, written in 1964, which is about the turbulent rule of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq in 14th century, took Mr. Karnad two yeas to complete. “It is for others to decide about play’s relevance today. I lose interest in what I write once I complete it. I think only about the next thing I plan to write,” he says, adding that a play faces its real test when it is produced every time. “I am happy that the play has been experimented by various directors.”

Even after 50 years, Tughlaq is the most sought-after play by theatre directors. Samudaya, a cultural movement recently revived the play and staged 24 shows. The late actor C.R. Simha, who essayed the role of Tughlaq for nearly three decades, had almost become synonymous with the character. Theatre personality Alyque Padamsee got Tughlaq translated into English and staged it, with Kabir Bedi donning the lead role. Ebrahim Alkazi’s production at the Purana Qila in New Delhi was another landmark venture.

In his play, Mr. Karnad has shown Tughlaq as a man of multiple dimensions, capable of idealised aspirations as well as deft intrigue. Mr. Karnad explored interpersonal relationship based on politics in the play.

In his autobiography Aadaadta Aayushya , published by Manohara Granthamala, Mr. Karnad vividly recalls the circumstances that forced him to write Tughlaq . After the publication of Yayati in 1962, G.B. Joshi of the publication house asked him to write another play. An observation by critic Kirtinath Kurtakoti that no playwright had tried to use history as a tool to interpret contemporary life and times, egged Mr. Karnad on to take this challenge. Caligula of Albert Camus also influenced him. The intriguing character of Tughlaq, who banned prayer for five years, astonished him. He created the characters of Azam and Aziz, who provided a foil to the character of Tughlaq.

Mr. Karnad does not refute the fact that Tughlaq has acquired a universal quality. “ Tughlaq was banned in Sri Lanka during the country’s turbulent days. I have a pirated copy of Pakistani translation of Tughlaq !” he says.