Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Theater Troupe-Atlanta Dunia -

By Emily Pollokoff aur Gandharv Bhagat
It is seldom these days that the Atlanta Desi community gets the opportunity to enjoy genuine Hindi-medium live entertainment in their very own city. Thankfully, then, the Saturday, May 3rd performance by 'Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Natya Sangathan' (Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Theater Troupe) brought an energetic cultural stage production to the lush and peaceful Emory University campus. In these days, when even Bollywood has become nothing more than a mimicry of western culture and lifestyle, it was so refreshing to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle. Aptly named 'Jeevan Ke Rang Hansi Ke Sang', the revue encompassed a variety of musical and theatrical performances. The 57-member group performed 12 pieces that, through delightful humor and playful satire, gently reminded the soon nostalgic audience of Hindi's essentiality to their vibrant culture.The participating members celebrated diverse geographic and cultural origins and came together as a single entity to produce the event. Dhoop Chaoon, brainchild of writer-director Sandhya Bhagat, an avid devotee of Hindi language and literature, has emphatically and effectively striven to bring Hindi to the forefront through their productions over the years, and we congratulate them on yet another moving performance. Also, heartfelt thanks are due for the contributions from Emory University and many other generous sponsors which helped provide an auspicious venue and free catered dinner to over 300 Hindi-language enthusiasts.

By Sandhya Bhagat and Manju Tiwari