Jammu,Nov 1: : Natrang presented the Dogri play ‘Diary Kuse Lok Naath Di’ today at Natrang Studio under its weekly theatre series ‘Sunday Theatre’. Based on a story by eminent Dogri writer and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Prof. Madan Mohan Sharma, the play was adapted by Dimple Sharma and directed by noted theatre director Neeraj Kant. Despite its modest scale, the production offered an engaging theatrical experience, enriched by its narrative, performances and evocative use of Dogri language.

Before the performance, Natrang observed a condolence meeting to mourn the demise of legendary Dogri writer and filmmaker Ved Rahi. The Natrang family expressed deep sorrow over his passing, and two minutes of silence were observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Speaking on the occasion, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur recalled Natrang’s long and cherished association with Ved Rahi, who had always appreciated and encouraged the organisation’s creative endeavours. Describing him as a towering personality and a living legend of Dogri literature and culture, he said that his demise was an irreparable loss that had created a huge void in the literary and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that his remarkable contribution and creative legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Balwant Thakur also said that presenting the works of eminent Dogri writers through ‘Sunday Theatre’ is a new initiative by Natrang to promote Dogri language and literature. He observed that adapting literary works for the stage is a challenging creative process, requiring both artistic vision and technical expertise. He expressed satisfaction that Natrang has a dedicated team capable of transforming literary narratives into engaging theatrical productions.
The play revolves around the diary of Lok Nath, whose personal experiences reveal the ironies, aspirations and dilemmas of an ordinary man. The narrative unfolds when a writer, intrigued by an attractive diary found by his son, begins reading its contents. Through a series of humorous and revealing episodes, the diary captures Lok Nath’s disillusionment, financial struggles and romantic fantasies, particularly his unsuccessful attempts to approach his employer’s sister-in-law. His eventual withdrawal, fearing the loss of both his job and tuition assignment, brings out the humour and vulnerability inherent in everyday human situations.
The production’s most striking feature was its language, with the richness and natural flow of Dogri emerging as a theatrical experience in itself. Neeraj Kant, as the ‘Writer’, maintained the appropriate narrative tonality, while Pawan Verma, as ‘Lok Nath’, convincingly portrayed the character’s inner conflicts and emotional dilemmas. Lighting and music were executed by Kushal Bhat.