Aaina: A Living Folktale Explores Self-Discovery and Family in Khandesh

Aaina (The Mirror) is described as a living folktale that combines myth, comedy, and touching moments. Set in the Satpuda ranges of Khandesh, the story follows a simple, carefree family consisting of a mother, father, son, and daughter living without modern influences such as electricity or mobile phones. Their lives change when strange objects, including a mirror, enter their home. Seeing their reflections for the first time leads to a mix of fear, amusement, and playful chaos, driving a narrative about relationships, self-discovery, human connection, and curiosity.

The production features writer Yogesh Manohar Bhandari, an artist and playwright with more than 20 years of experience in theatre and film, known for his work in contemporary Marathi drama, playwriting, direction, adaptation, and regional dialect dramatization.

Director Bhalchandra Pandit brings over 30 years of experience in experimental theatre. His past work includes the award-winning Edijs Live Show, along with projects such as Escalar, Eka Shevatchi Suruvat, Nadi Katchcha Prakar, To Samorcha Nadkarni, Salaam, Abraham Linknach Patra, Goshta Isbanitichi, and In Search Of.

According to the director's note, Aaina uses rustic Marathi-Ahirani language, authentic props, naturalistic sets, lighting, and sound to contrast ordinary life with magical elements, highlighting universal themes of relationships and self-discovery against outside materialistic influences.

The play is presented by Jagar: An Awakening of the Stage, a group with 48 years of experience creating experimental and thought-provoking theatre. The group has featured works by prominent playwrights including Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, Sai Paranjpe, P. L. Deshpande, Kusumagraj, Mohan Rakesh, Badal Sircar, Harold Pinter, and Albert Camus. Jagar has received awards such as Sawai Karandak, Amrut Kumbh, and Natya Darpan, and has performed at platforms like NSD, Bharat Bhavan, Nandikar, NCPA, and Goa Kala Academy, while also supporting children's theatre through 'Prasang Natya Darshan'.