New Delhi, June 23 (Scoop News)- In a remarkable fusion of cultural artistry and linguistic revival, Robroo Theatre, Delhi, staged the Dogri-language play Habba Khatoon at the Blank Canvas Auditorium, LTG, earning widespread acclaim for its powerful portrayal of Kashmir’s beloved poetess through the lens of Jammu’s vibrant Dogri culture.
Written and directed by eminent playwright and theatre stalwart Kajal Suri, Habba Khatoon marks a significant cultural milestone: it is the first Dogri-language play performed in Delhi entirely by non-native speakers of the language. This bold and pioneering theatrical effort reaffirms the transformative power of performance art in bridging linguistic and regional divides.
Set against the evocative backdrop of 16th-century Kashmir, Habba Khatoon explores the poignant life and poetic journey of the legendary Kashmiri poetess, whose verses of love, longing, and mysticism continue to resonate across generations. Staging her story in Dogri a language rich in folk traditions, heroic ballads, and lyrical expression—offers a unique narrative convergence of Jammu and Kashmir’s intertwined cultural identities.
The production goes beyond mere linguistic representation. Authentic Dogri folk songs, regional musical patterns, and traditional performance motifs from Jammu’s cultural repertoire were seamlessly integrated into the play’s narrative structure. The musical score, operated by Praveen Yadav, incorporated live renditions of Dogri folk tunes, while the use of local idioms and theatrical expressions paid homage to Jammu’s oral traditions. These elements collectively immersed the audience in the soul of Dogri culture, highlighting its aesthetic richness and emotional depth.
“The Dogri language is not just a medium—it’s a cultural ecosystem of music, poetry, and oral history,” said Kajal Suri, speaking after the performance. “By telling Habba Khatoon’s story in Dogri, we not only celebrate her literary legacy but also reaffirm the value of Jammu’s cultural voice in the broader Indian narrative.”
The cast—featuring Jaskaran Chopra, Annu Sharma, Harshit Singhal, Shubham Sharma, Sukhnandan Bindra, Vinayak Dwivedi, Geeta Sethi, Dharm Gupta, Neeraj Tiwari, Varsha Panthee, Rashi Sethi, Vaibhav Paul, Tarun Maggo, and Bhupesh—received standing ovations for their impressive linguistic command and emotive power. Despite not being native Dogri speakers, their performances were marked by fluency, precision, and an evident respect for the cultural nuances of the language.
The production was visually and technically enriched by Mohammad Rashid’s period-accurate make-up, Jerry Roy’s dynamic lighting design, and meticulous direction that foregrounded regional aesthetics and traditional storytelling techniques.
Dogri, one of India’s constitutionally recognized languages, has often remained underrepresented in mainstream theatre. This production not only revives the Dogri stage but also forges a symbolic and artistic bridge between the traditions of Jammu and the poetic legacy of Kashmir. By intertwining these regional identities, Habba Khatoon delivers a narrative of unity in diversity—underscoring how linguistic and cultural expressions can transcend boundaries.
The historic staging of Habba Khatoon by Robroo Theatre is a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian performing arts—where dedication to language, culture, and historical legacy creates pathways for mutual respect and rediscovery. It sets a precedent for future explorations of regional languages through inclusive, cross-cultural participation.
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