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"Aaj Rang Hai", deserves an applause for its eclectic tying together of narrative, music and dance.

At the heart of the play is a charming baithak singer Beni Bai, who dispenses to her neighbours-advice, music lessons and anecdotes.She yarns out episodes from the life of Hazrat Amir Khusrau, that resonate with incidents occuring in her own surroundings. The play embraces many themes- the quest for love (Ishq),the social function of language( Khari Boli& English)and eventually, the discovery of oneself and of God. Examples of Rang (holi) celebrations at the shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya, and Hazrat Khusrau's love for Hindustan, underline the theme of religious tolerance.

Writers Purva and Vijay Naresh create with success a piquant plot, well-rounded characters, a quaint setting and crisp dialogue. Trishla Patel excels as Beni; while Ahlam Khan plays with eloquence and pep, the eccentric pan-chewing bua; Nishi Doshi and Pritika Chawla add life to the parts of wide-eyed Ameena and Vidya; Imran Rashid sparkle as the comic foil Munnu Mamma; Gagan Riar makes a zany and well-timed teacher of English; Pawan Uttam plays an honest lover (Fakhruddin); Purva Naresh enthralls you with her display of Deval and Sharda adding zest to some sensitively choreographed dance sequences.

Aaj Rang Hai, scores a plus for its formal innovations too (Dir: Gopal Tiwari &Purva Naresh) The mise-en-scene is endearing- see through drapes cloak sufi qawwals Haidar Baqsh and group. The snippets about Hazrat Amir Khusrau's life too are enacted from behind the drapery. This serves a double function- it seperates the present and past, as well as retains the aura associated with the mystic. Lighting, make-up and costumes are near perfect. So is on-stage co-ordination and communication. Haider Baqsh & Group infuse the spirit of Hazrat Khusrau's work, uplifting the text to a transcendental sublime.

T-pot and Aarambh get five full stars for turning a play into a spectacle. Elements cohere in a burst of colour and life, spinning like derveshes. Aaj Rang Hai marks the coming of good things.