Super hit Gujarati play "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel” Mesmerized Chicago

Chicago IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir Presented Super hit Play on "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Our Beloved Iron Man" on Friday, May 26, 2017 at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL. Despite of the bad weather and long weekend, the show attracted 450 plus members. The event was started with Deep Pragatya ceremony by Mr. & Mrs. Nakul Singh Chand (Air-India Manager mid-west), followed by US and India’s National Anthem, opening remark by MC (Vipul Thakkar) and vote of thanks by Chairman (Chirayu Parikh) addressing all attendees, 25 plus sponsors and Siddhi Events (Smita Gandhi) for bringing such a unique play to USA.

The play was in Gujarati, Hindi and English Language (an excellent real time representation to portray all individual characters involved during the pre-post India’s Independence), Written and directed by Dr. Vikram Panchal and Shaunak Vyas. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the most pivotal important leaders to emerge out of Indian Freedom Struggle. Born in the last quarter of the 19th century, he started legal practice in the early twentieth century. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle in year 1917. Soon he became one of the three most prominent leaders, along with Gandhi and Nehru.

The play is a portrayal of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, his strife and his life. The play begins when Sardar was practicing law in Ahmedabad, and was singularly disinterested in any kind of public work. He meets Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat Club and gets inspired by him to work for people. His struggle with Jinnah, British Raj and a key role in the integration of the princely states. The play tries to catch the essence of the life, work and philosophy of the legendary man known as The Iron Man & Unifier of India.

This renowned play has been presented over 30 times all over India and was also viewed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In India this show is acted on stage by over 30 actors/artists and supporters, to include technician specialists providing sound effects, background music, tunes, lighting etc. While performing in USA, entire recital was performed by only eight actors who overcame challenges presented due to short staff, by multitasking. Each artists performing additional chores by performing of at least 4 additional roles. These artists also managed other behind the stage tasks, such as multiple sets changes, sound effects, background music, tunes, lighting etc. It was evident that such a challenging production only works when the actors share certain camaraderie and a team of seasoned artists; the audience could feel the amazing chemistry of the entire cast on the stage.

Throughout the play, entire cast received applause and a standing ovation at the end from all attendees.

· Shaunak Vyas: Frolicked pivotal key role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He is also a writer, director of Sardar Patel play and founder of Vikram Academy of Performing Arts.
· Dr. Rekha Mukherjee: Sarojini Naidu, Doshi Maa and a Mrs. Vevel. She is a Dept. head at Gujarat University, gifted writer, costume designer and a mentor at Vikram Academy of Performing Arts.
· Pranay Mehta: Played roles of various British Subjects like Wilson, Vevel and Lord Mountbatten.
· Jay Mehta: Gandhiji, Mr. Menon, Maharaja of Bhavnagar and Behcher bhai. His significant research on the subject has helped develop the play and handles visuals.
· Tapan Jani: Jawaharlal Nehru & Dayalji. He also handled Props/Production.
· Parth Raval: Jinnah, Rizvi, Pathan and a Sikh. He also coordinated on stage lighting effects.
· Shivani Bhagat: Maniben, wife of Bhavanbhai & General Chaudhary. Shivani has attained the best actress award in past during nationwide ITN drama competition.
· Jash: Maulana Azad, Bhavanbhai, Raja Hanumant Singh, Shankar and Muslim Biradar.

Entire cast was extremely happy with the hospitality and planning from Jalaram Mandir team. Mr. Shaunak Vyas admired Shree Jalaram Mandir Board for their courage and commitment to bring something unique to the Indian community. He also thanked Mrs. Smita Gandhi (Siddhi Events), all sponsors and audience for their outstanding support.

Next year in the month of April 2018, the team is planning to bring must see outstanding two real life plays in USA including performance in Chicago.

· Life story of Swami Vivekananda who made his mark during world religious gathering in Chicago over 100 yrs ago.
· True life story of Aruna Singh who was the first women to climb Mt. Everest on just one leg at the age of 19 yrs. The life story of these extra ordinary brave women will be presented on stage with replica of her tragic train accident and adventure of climbing Mount Everest!

Grand Sponsors: Air India - Free round trip ticket to raffle winner (Nakul Singh Chand), Patel Brothers (Mafat Patel) and Barrington Bank & Trust – WinTrust Community Bank.

Co-Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, World Money Exchange (Anil Shah), Taxperts (Hiren Shah), Verandah (Dr. Anuja Gupta), New Life Center (Dr. Manish Pandya), Care For Soul, Care of Soul, Universal Metro Asian Services, Shreeji Builder (Sanjay Shah & Bhavesh Shah), Macco (Nainesh Patel), Draper and Cramer Mortgage Corp (Suren Sampat), Tushar Vyas (Kwik Insure), NY Life (Jayshree Thakkar), State Farm Insurance (Esha Patel), Moonstar Mortgage (Vipal Shah), Keller Williams (Deval Amin), Sakhi Selection, Junoon Dance Group, Taj Mahal Restaurant (Devu Patel), Holiday Inn - Rolling Meadows (Maya Patel), Natraj Travels (Dipak Shah), Vitha Jewelers (Ramesh Vitha), Honest (Sumit Patel & Chirag Sariya), Sai Saffron (Jigar Parikh), Radhika Kitchen, Havmor Ice-cream (Mike Shah) and Tushar Chotalia, PC.

Shree Jalaram Mandir team and Sponsors are with artist of Gujarati Play Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Artist of Gujarati Play Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Shree Jalaram Mandir team