Baap ka Baap a rib tickling comedy that came to Auckland was an event completely enjoyed by all those who attended.

The main attraction of the play was the veteran Bollywood stars Asrani and Padmini Kolhapure. With a career spanning 50 years, Asrani, who has created a niche with his own distinctive brand of humour in Bollywood films like Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Sholay, made a stage appearance and was heartily welcomed by the Auckland crowd. He was also joined by actress Padmini Kolhapure, the toast of the 80s, who has returned to theatre after a few years who was also hugely welcomed and supported.

The play waslaced with comedy, but showcased an important social issue. After the death of his wife, Jawan (Asrani) raises his son Bacha (Naveen Bawa), single-handedly and in the process, has sacrificed his own need for love and companionship. He constantly tells 40-year-old Bacha that he must find himself a bride, settle down and have kids. One day, Bacha finally meets Mithai (Padmini Kolhapure), a widow and love blooms between the two. Meanwhile, Jawan comes across Namkeen (Chitrashi Raawat), a young NRI girl, and with her entry, there is a twist in the plot.

Along with other moral and ethical issues, Baap Ka Baap highlights the social taboo of widow remarriage and tackles it in a light-hearted manner. Many a times, Mithai, who is shown to be an independent, beautiful and successful entrepreneur, comes across as vulnerable, when she talks about the tribulations of living life as a widow in this society.

Raawat attempts the difficult character of a young, silly teen, which can easily go wrong if over done, but she pulls it off with ease and grace and was my personal favourite. Bawa on the other hand mouths some funny one-liners that will make you smile. But in this foursome, it is Asrani managed to astonish the audience with his energy on stage and it was heartening to watch him even shake a leg. The pre-recorded songs were enjoyable and have been sung by the actors themselves. The title track is catchy, and some dance sequences like the jugalbandi were thoroughly enjoyable.

All in all it was a good performance that the Aucklanders seemed to have enjoyed. The addition of a local artist, JyotsnaTrivedi in the end added that cherry on the top. Speaking to Indian Weekender the cast of the play stated that they had completely enjoyed performing in Auckland and even though the audience numbers were not large, it felt like they were amidst thousands of people.

Indian Weekender was proud to be the media partner of the event that was brought to Auckland by SJK Alliance and Kimaya Createions. Kimaya Creations is usually associated with big international concerts and local Gujarati and Hindi theatre productions.