A critical analysis of the gendered self in Mahesh Dattani's Tara

Abstract

Mahesh Dattani, a well-known figure in Indian theatre and literature, is acclaimed for his sharp storytelling, thought-provoking concepts, and captivating narratives. India's current theatre scene has been greatly influenced by Dattani. He is renowned for his capacity to examine the nuances of societal issues, cultural conundrums, and interpersonal connections. His style is quite unique as he often mixes poignant drama with comedy to keep his audience engaged. Dattani is a multi-talented artist who has gained recognition not only as a dramatist but also as a writer, director, and actor. The focus of this essay is Mahesh Dattani's Tara (1990). Mahesh Dattani's play, Tara (1990) explores the intricacies of relationships, identity, and society expectations. This is an intriguing tale of conjoined twins, Tara and Chandan, who underwent unequal surgical separation in which preference to receive the vital organs was given to the male twin. Tara, who had been treated unfairly since the beginning of her life, could not survive aftermath of surgery and eventually dies. Due to Tara's untimely death, Chandan flees to London in order to start over and move on from his past. But he cannot shake the ghosts of his past and eventually begins to express these unresolved and confused feelings in his play, Twinkle Tara. With the motif of ‘a play with in a play’, this important work of Indian English theatre explores complex issues of gender, identity, disability, and social norms. This paper dives deep into the aforementioned themes of the play.