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Mahesh Dattani
Mahesh Dattani is a philosopher among the playwrights of India. He
never imitates anybody. He always thinks for himself and thinks about the well
being of the humanity around him. This humanity is Indian, and its problems are
not the problems known to the western world. His approach to the problems are
original. Dattani used drama as the means oftenengaging in existential spirit
with the actual problems of life. Dattani is a realistic dramatist. In his
dramas male characters are not as important as women characters. He is a
Gujarathi. One finds Gujarathi characters in his plays especially all
characters in Where There is a Will.
Where there is a will was
first performed by Dattani's theatre group, Playpen at Chowdiah Memorial Hall,
Bangalore on Sept. 23, 1988 as part of Deccan Herald Theatre Festival. The play
is set in Mumbai. All the characters are Gujarathi.
Hasmukh Mehta is one of the
richest persons in Mumbai. He is a garment manufacturer and has established
Mehta Group of companies. He introduces the members of his family. His active
role is limited in the play, for soon he dies. But he is present spiritually
throughout the play. His wife is Sonal. Sonal means Gold, She was as good as
gold when they were married. But soon he found the she is good for nothing. Ajit
is their only son. He is married to Preeti. The play begins with Hasmukh's
grumbling against his son. He thinks that his son is good for nothing. He
doesn't want to make him the Chief Managing Director (CMD) of his company. He
regrets:
