Surya Ki.. the production perspective..

From Surya ki antim kiran se, Surya ki pehli kiran tak, we are not undergoing the emosanal attyachaar that Okkak is going through. Rather, from Surya ki pehli kiran se, Surya ki antim kiran tak, we are thinking production. We are thinking how the sets can withstand and endure the forces acting against it. We are thinking if constructing something is worth the effort.

We eagerly look forward to the production day - arriving excited and at the end of the day we leave contented. It's tough to explain why, you have to experience it.

Our day starts with a nice drive to our base (Pradeepji's house) in So.SF. We assemble in the briefing center (living room) to be apprised by our Commander (Pradeepji) of status updates and new developments from Captain (Vinita). We make a task list for the day, gather tools from garage and head to the field (backyard) to commence our operation.

After a few trials and having a prototype ready, we break for lunch, ..um..I mean midday feast - courtesy of Mrs. Commander (Kumkumji), while discussing a varied mix of topics - sports, politics, movies, people, past plays, storage (ssshh), etc..

Based on the prototype, we are now mechanised robots manufacturing the full set piece. To ensure that prandial comatose doesn't strike us, our Chaiwala (Pradeepji) provides excellent elaichi chai with snacks. If its too hot, our Bartender (Pradeepji) offers Margarita (and Virgin Margarita tsk-tsk).

By the EOD, the pieces are ready for assembly and testing - all the labour that went into making this masterpiece - finally being tested. And voila! We are elated!

Our day ends with a tired, exhausted but nice drive back home.

This is one of the well planned, less demanding and more professional production I've worked on. It's a brain-teaser recollecting and refreshing topics that we've learnt in the past - from "angle-bisectors" to "areas/volumes" to "torsion/shear". It is always a learning experience ;)

PS: Interesting? Curious? Join our backstage tour on the days of the show.

Lot of wood but no sade...

And the set in PIECES here presented by Vijay, Keerthi and Siva on top and Manjusha all by her beautiful self. Finished up a lot of the pillars and towers and beautiful things that make the set what it really is. Our fearless leader Pradeepji kept piling on the tasks and the food and the margaritas ;). How could we say no? Pillars and Towers and Receptacles and Steps and the BED and all that jazz. Most of the big stuff DONE! Phew. What a day.

But wait, there's more. Everything was loaded up and we drove down to our beloved Diro's house and unloaded and racked 'em all up and enjoyed a spot of tea while chit-chatting. Until we were granted a view of the decorations that were to grace our set... Here we all are with the "Ooohs" and the "Aaaahs!"

More updates coming. We've got soooo much work to finish up. Can't wait, can't wait.

A set worthy of Okkak!?

Since the king himself has started the blog I will begin by paying my respects :). Me being one of the production crew. Thrilled and excited to be working in my first Naatak production. Bringing the sets up for this production has been fantastic. We've got a wonderful set coming up on stage at the Cubberley in Palo Alto, I'm happy to say.

Pradeepji our master planner, producer, our fearless leader in this endeavor has been nothing but on the mark with his planning and designing. The man's a wood work maestro and so is his workshop. I'm learning a lot of mad skilz on the job here. What with the wood shaving, cutting, measuring, glueing, nailing and stapling. Stuff can get pretty exciting.

We have most of the sets done by now. We have a few things for the background to be done. I don't want to reveal too many details. Come on out to our production and you'll see it in all its glory. Meanwhile a quick shoutout to all the crew of whom I'm the designated QA. If anybody has any issues with that they can take it up with me :D.

I love the character KING OKKAK!

This is one of the most brilliant script I have read in my acting career so far. Very crisp, beautiful language, no excessive dialogues (hence no need for any edits). Hats off to the playwright Mr. Surendra Verma. I am playing the protagonist King Okkak in the play. Mr. Verma has described the kings agony & love for his queen in a terrific & gut-wrenching manner. For sure, Surendra Verma has been able to put himself in the shoes of Okkak.

How would you feel if your wife whom you dearly love and who loves you back too, is forced to sleep with another man? I ask this question everyday as I prepare for this role in front of the mirror, while driving, on the treadmill ........