Jammu, June 23 (HS). On Sunday, Natarang presented the Hindi play 'Lipstick Ki Muskaan' written by Vishnu Prabhakar and directed by Neeraj Kant at Natarang Studio Theatre under its weekly serial 'Sunday Theatre'. This play depicts the decay of human values and relationships amidst westernization and modernity.
The story revolves around Rita, a supporter of Western civilization, who is estranged from her young child. While preparing for a play audition, her child clings to her, ruining her dress and making her angry. She scolds everyone, including her husband Rakesh, expressing her belief that neither children nor marriage are necessary in modern times.
Rakesh reveals that his son is being raised by their maid Aaya, which Rita does not like. She plans to send her son to an orphanage and uses this opportunity to kick out Aaya. After Aaya leaves, the child is placed in an orphanage, and Rakesh falls ill from the stress. Instead of supporting him, Rita contacts the health services, claiming that he has an infectious disease that requires isolation.
After learning about the child's fate, Aaya reports the matter to the police. The play poignantly portrays Rita's ambition and her belief that children should be raised by the state, an attitude influenced by Western values. However, the twists and turns of life force her to recognize the irreplaceable role of a mother, leading to an emotional realization of the value of relationships.
The cast included Vrinda Gujral, Kushal Bhat, Payal Khanna, Sanna Devi, Lalita Sharma and Mehak Chib. 'Lipstick Ki Muskaan' beautifully portrays the emotional and moral conflicts in the face of modernity, giving the audience a lot to think about the true essence of relationships and responsibilities.