​​Shree Jalaram Mandir

425 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates IL 60169
​(847) 490 - JALA (5252)

SARDAR PATEL NATAK

Chicago IL: Trustee and Volunteers of Shree Jalaram Mandir presented Super hit Gujarati Drama "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, our beloved iron man " on Friday, May 26, 2017 at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL  The show attracted 600 plus members enjoyed outstanding play which included a Gujarati dinner. 

The play was in Gujarati Language, written and directed by Dr. Vikram Panchal and Shaunak Vyas. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the most pivotal important leaders to emerge out of Indian freedom struggle. Born in the last quarter of the 19th century, he started legal practice in the early twentieth century. He was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle in year 1917. Soon he became one of the three most prominent leaders, along with Gandhi and Nehru.

The play is a portrayal of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, his strife and his life. The play begins when Sardar was practicing law in Ahmedabad, and was singularly disinterested in any kind of public work. He meets Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat Club and gets inspired by him to work for people. It ends at the Birla House in Mumbai where Sardar talks to Maniben and reminisces his life, before passing off peacefully. The play tries to catch the essence of the life, work and philosophy of the legendary man known as The Iron Man of India.

This renowned play has been presented over 30 times in India and was also viewed by Prime Minister Naren Modi. In India the stage show is acted by over 30 actors/ artists and supporters, to include technician specialists providing sound effects, background music, tunes, lighting etc. While performing in USA, entire recital was performed by only eight actors who overcame challenges presented due to short staff, by multitasking.  Each artists performing additional chores by performing at least 4 additional roles.  These artist also took load of other behind the stage invisible tasks to like improvising  sound effects, background music, tunes, lighting etc. stage sound engineering  etc.  It is a common knowledge that such challenging production only work when the actors share certain camaraderie and comfort level with each other, the audience could feel the amazing chemistry of the entire cast on the stage. 

Entire team received loud applause and standing ovation from over 600 attendees. 

DR. Rekha Mukherjee: Dept. head at Gujarat University acted in four different roles.  She is also gifted writer and also handled costume designer.

Parth Raval: His talent includes villain character like famous Bollywood legendary actor Pran. He played roles of Jinnah, Pathan, Rajni etc and also designed and coordinated on stage lighting effects,

Jay Mehta: He played roles of a farmer, Gandhi, princely king, and Krishna Menon. His research on the subject helped develop the play.

Pranay Mehta: Played roles of various British Subjects like officer, collector, Lord Mount batten etc.

Shivani Bhagat: Youngest in the group, played role of Maniben, _Village women etc. Shivani has attained the best actress award in past during nationwide ITN drama competition.

Taman Jani: Acted role of Jawaharlal Nehru. He is also a talented comedian and has performed leading role in certain comedy spectacles. 

Sonak Vyas: Frolicked pivotal key role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

Mr. Vyas also thanked Mrs. Sunita Gandhi and sponsors Shree Jalaram Mandir for their outstanding support.

Next year in the month of March or April 2018, the team is planning to bring must see outstanding two real life plays in USA including performance in Chicago. 

Life story of Swami Vivekananda who made his mark during world religious gathering in Chicago over 100 yrs ago.


True life story of Aruna Singh who was the first women to climb Mt. Everest on just one leg at the age of 19 yrs. She was a rising National athletic star in Volleyball game. When during robbery attempt, she was thrown out of speeding train. She landed and laid on track for hours unable to move. Hours later another train passing in opposite direction badly crushed one of her leg.  She was rescued and spent more time waiting on station platform, to be transferred to the hospital where wounded leg was surgically amputated. She survived the ordeal and against all odds and with sheer determination, trained herself and eventually climbed not just highest peak of the word, Mt Everest, but also scaled additional other seven tallest peak in the world and set a record. The life story of these extra ordinary brave women will be presented on stage with replica of the train and Mount Everest on Stage!


Sponsors:

Air India who awarded round trip ticket to India on Raffle winner, Barrington Bank, Patel Brothers, Shreeji Builder, Macco Villa Park/Palatine, Draper and Cramer Mortgage Corp, Honest Schaumburg, State Farm Insurance (Esha Patel), Taj Mahal Restaurant, Holiday Inn Express of Rolling Meadows (Maya Patel), Vitha Jewelers and Tushar Chotalia PC