Adhi Raat Dupehar
Ravinder Ravi’s “Adhi Raat Dupehar” is his third play. In the present work he has chosen a
theme which lends itself admirably to the medium. He resorts to cinematic and video TV props,
revolving stage and strip-tease, but being aware of the limitations of drama producers in India,
he provides alternative but symbolic aids to the development of the theme. What is significant
in this play is the author’s faith in the emerging new man, his capacity to solve his problems and
Ravinder Ravi creates an entirely new imagery. Ravi’s similes and metaphors have a flavour of
their own. There is a gossamer delicacy about his verse and yet it is realistic, earthy and
As a playwright Ravi employs his words with utmost economy and makes a dramatic use of
them. The words create vivid images of volatile activity.
It is yet another attempt in search of identity. As the playwright says, there is both good and
evil in human nature and hence the modern man is what he makes of himself.
– Kartar Singh Duggal – “The Tribune”, Chandigarh, India – April 30, 1983 –