The story of an unsung hero Gangu Baba staged at BNA

A multitude of people recently flocked to the Bhartendu Natya Academy to witness the theatrical masterpiece titled Shahar Kanpur: Krantiveer. Written by Sheshpal Singh ‘Shesh’ and directed by Dinesh Khanna, the play was enacted by a talented cast of students, who underwent an intensive and comprehensive workshop that spanned over a month at BNA.



Set in Kanpur, the theatrical production was premised on the life of an unsung hero, named Gangu Mehtar, who is also commonly referred to as ‘Gangu Baba’.Gangu Mehtar, a valiant rebel, challenged the British Raj in India. Stationed in Kanpur, he served under Nana Saheb Peshwa as a mid-level junior commissioned officer and gave the Britishers a neck-to-neck fight, but in the aftermath of General Wheeler’s murder, Kanpur was ruthlessly attacked by Major-General Sir Henry Havelock. The play followed Gangu’s life from his childhood, and brought to light how Gangu and his family struggled as they belonged to a minority community.



“It was my gut feeling to produce such a play as Gangu belongs to Kanpur which is near Lucknow, I feel the audience here will relate to the play more and Gangu’s story should reach as many people as possible.” The character of Gangu Baba, played by Digant Sharma and Mainavati, played by Priya Singh Rathore were highly appreciated for their phenomenal performance.


The play was graced by the presence of guests Mandavi Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bhatkhande University, Lucknow and Anil Rastogi, renowned actor, and theatre artist.
-Manas Mishra