Shakespeare Wallah...

We were given an opportunity to watch Shakespeare Wallah. Wallah? What does it mean? Well, wallah means ‘the one who is’ and according to the producer Ismail Merchant, he defines wallah as ‘traders’. The film is based on a true story about the Kendall’s family who performed Shakespeare’s play in India. In this film, they played as ‘The Buckingham Players’. I was inspired to watch the film because the main actor is Shashi Kapoor (plays the role of Sanju)! I’m a big fan of him and never missed watching all his Hindustan movies and for the first time, I watch him acting in an English film.

Actually, I don’t really understand the story in the earlier stage. Later, I slowly comprehend the plot of the story (but not all...so sad). The Buckingham’s was performing Shakespeare all over India during the colonist era. The Indians especially the educated were supporting the play but they lose their attention on the play when a famous Bollywood’s actress, Manjula (Madhur) appeared in the middle of the play. Both parties didn’t respect the play, it made Mr. Buckingham became mad, and he stopped the play for a moment. He then asked the audience to be silent and continue their performing. In other incidents, the young men teased the beautiful Lizzie (Felicity Kendall) who is Sanju’s girlfriend. He can’t accept it and had a fight with them. He loves her so much...

I think the English players were sincere in performing the play but the audience should be educate how to watch play. They show no respect and it shouldn’t happen when we are watching a play. Manjula should be professional as a famous actress. Although she admires Sanju, she must accept the fact that they are cousin and he is in love with Lizzie. Lastly, Lizzie was sent back home and their love was not a successful…. :(