Mahabhoj: A Play by Manu Bhandari Directed by Vipin Kumar

Mahabhoj by Manu Bhandari was written following the Belchhi Kaand in 1977, initially appearing as a novel in 1979 before being adapted into a play. The story examines the politicization of a Dalit person's death, public sentiment, and the manipulation of situations to benefit authority, exploring power dynamics and politics that remain relevant today.

Writer

Mannu Bhandari (1931 – 2021) was an Indian author, screenplay writer, teacher, and playwright known for Hindi novels such as Aap Ka Bunty and Mahabhoj. A pioneer of the Nayi Kahani movement in Hindi literature, her works focus on middle-class aspirations, educated women, relationships, gender equality, and caste discrimination. She received numerous awards, including the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan and the Vyas Samman.

Director

Vipin Kumar is a theatre actor, director, and NSD alumnus who serves as the Artistic Director at the Little Theatre Group in Mandi House, New Delhi. He has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2023) and the Bharat Ratna Atal Sewa Samman (2019).

Director’s Note

Director Vipin Kumar notes that Mannu Bhandari’s Mahabhoj reflects hunger, injustice, and hierarchies, aiming to connect with contemporary audiences and spark reflection on the struggles of the marginalized.

Group

The Little Theatre Group (LTG) Repertory is a New Delhi-based theatre company located near Mandi House that has supported playwrights, directors, and actors for over five decades.