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Yakshagana meets Sanskrit farce in Mahesh Dattani's Yogi vs Bhogi

other · 2026-05-11

Theatre director Mahesh Dattani adapts the 7th-century Sanskrit farce Bhagavadajjukam into an English play titled Yogi vs Bhogi, blending humour, philosophy, gender themes, and Yakshagana performance style. The production is presented by Punaha Theatre. Actor Abhinav Grover, whose training in Yakshagana shapes his performance, stars in the play. The work marks a full-circle moment for Grover, integrating his traditional dance-theatre background into a contemporary adaptation of an ancient comedic text.

Key facts

  • The play is an English adaptation of the 7th-century Sanskrit farce Bhagavadajjukam.
  • Mahesh Dattani directs Yogi vs Bhogi.
  • Punaha Theatre presents the production.
  • The play blends humour, philosophy, gender, and Yakshagana.
  • Abhinav Grover's Yakshagana training influences his acting in the play.
  • The production is described as a full-circle journey for Grover.

Entities

Artists

  • Abhinav Grover
  • Mahesh Dattani

Institutions

  • Punaha Theatre

Sources