Chhayamukhi

A friend of mine sent me this CD from India, called Chhayamukhi, the recording of a stage play performed by a group of artists icluding film actors Mohanlal and Mukesh. I had no words to praise the wonderful performance of both of them, also the songs and screenplay are excellent too.Chhayamukhi is the magic mirror, gifted to Bheemasena, by Hidumbi. When one looks at the mirror, instead of own reflection, one can see the image of a person one loves most. Hidumbi sees Bhema’s image on the mirror, while Bheema sees Droupadi’s face. Bheema wanted to see his face in the mirror when Droupadi looks at it, instead, he sees Arjuna’s face. The strongest, bravest, aggressive, destructive, fearless Bheema was shattered by this revelation of the magic mirror, but still he continues to love Droapadi as much as he did before. He later on looses this mirror and keechaka, the army chief and brother of the queen of Virat gets it. Mukesh plays the part of Kechaka. Keechaka see nothing on the mirror. After Bheema killed Keechaka, Bheema holds the mirror against Keechaka’s face and he sees Droupadi in the mirror. Shocked again by this new revelation, Bheema throws the mirror away.It is easy to love someone, but very difficult to be loved. This is the message one gets from the story. The pain and frustration on Bheema’s face when he realises Droupadi’s real love is brilliantly portrayed by Mohanlal. One will feel sympathy and at the same time will be forced to admire Bheemasena.