Dhukdhuki 72 Megahertz: Heartfelt tale of mother’s love, sacrifice

Kathmandu, Dec. 5: A woman sits quietly under a large tree in the darkness, completely lost in her thoughts. Meanwhile, a man enters the scene, humming a song as he approaches her. Curiously, he asks why she is sitting in the dark. He then turns on the light and the two begin to converse humorously and romantically.

On stage, actress Menuka Pradhan and actor Karma Shakya portray the characters as husband and wife, both affectionately calling each other ‘Maya’.

 Menuka, a schoolteacher who is seven months pregnant, eagerly prepares for a baby bump photoshoot and insists that Karma participates in it.

This is Dhukdhuki 72 Megahertz, a drama currently being staged at Mandala Theatre.

 Written and directed by Kedar Shrestha, the play has been running for over a month at the theatre. The play began on November 9 and was previously set to end on December 1. Due to the overwhelming love and support from the audience, the show has been extended until December 8.

Director Shrestha expressed his gratitude, stating that the immense appreciation from the audience inspired the extension. He also urged viewers to continue supporting the play.

Dhukdhuki 75 Megahertz explores the deep emotional ties, love, sacrifices, and dreams parents carry for their unborn child. It delves into their aspirations, inner conflicts, and the invisible bonds that connect them through moments of hope and hardship. 

The story takes a poignant twist when doctors inform Karma, the father, of a critical complication in the pregnancy. 

Faced with an impossible choice, he must decide whether to save his wife’s life or that of their foetus.

Faced with this heartbreaking dilemma, Karma decides to prioritise his wife, believing they could try for another child in the future. Losing her, however, would leave his life in shambles.

 Menuka, however, has a different perspective. Deeply connected to her unborn child, she convinces Karma to save the baby, even at the cost of her own life.

The play explores the joy, challenges, and sorrow experienced by expectant parents when confronted with such a dire situation.

The symbolic use of a tree on stage, with its swollen belly representing both the mother and the child, is a striking visual metaphor for the themes of connection and sacrifice. 

Karma, played by an accomplished artist, delivers a heartfelt performance as a loving and responsible husband. 

Menuka Pradhan shines equally in the play, clearly portraying the character of a pregnant woman. She naturally portrays the joys, challenges, and emotional depth of pregnancy, including occasional mood swings.

Her bond with the foetus, full with moments of happiness, excitement, and mood swings, is compelling.

 A particularly poignant moment occurs when Maya hears the voice of her foetus asking, ‘Am I just the result of your physical relationship, or do I truly have an existence?’ This monologue profoundly changes her perspective, reinforcing her decision to sacrifice her life for her unborn baby.

The poetic dialogues of Menuka and the witty responses of Karma bring humour to the play. In the beginning, themes of love, relationships, romance, and banter add liveliness to the play. As the play progresses, it starts to take on a more serious tone. Consequently, the audience feels deeply connected to the play, experiencing its evolving emotions accordingly.

The use of props, background music, and lighting adds to the beauty and depth of the play.