Asad ka ek din (Hindi, Hardcover, Mohan Rakesh)

Ashadh Ka Ek Din (Hindi) is a play in three acts based on the life of renowned classical Sanskrit writer Kalidas. It is centered on a love triangle between Kalidas, Mallika and Priyangumanjari.

Summary Of The Book

Ashadh Ka Ek Din (Hindi) begins with Kalidas leading a tranquil life in the Himalayas. He and Mallika are in love and everything seems blissful, until Kalidas receives an invitation to appear at Chandragupta’s court. Reluctant to leave his love behind, Kalidas finally gives in to his ambitious aspirations. Encouraged by the good natured Mallika, Kalidas leaves for Ujjayini.

The second part of the play covers Kalidas’ life in Ujjayini. Kalidas’ fame escalates and he is transformed from a humble country man, into a sophisticated courtier. He puts aside his love for Mallika and instead marries a noblewoman, Priyangumanjari. Mallika is left with a broken heart and leads a lonely life. Kalidas basks in the fame he receives in Chandragupta’s court and soon forgets his first love, Mallika.
Things take on a new contour when Kalidas decides to visit his village along with his wife Priyangumanjari. Will he be able to confront Mallika, who has since married Vilom, a repugnant man? How does Priyangumanjari accept her husband’s first love? Kalidas ultimately comes to a decision that would be recorded in history as a turning point in his life.

Ashadh Ka Ek Din (Hindi) was Mohan Rakesh’s debut play and it went on to win a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the best play in 1959. A film adaptation of the play in 1971, directed by Mani Kaul, won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie. An English translation of Ashadh Ka Ek Din (Hindi), called One Day in the Season of Rain, was brought out by Vinay Dharwadker and Aparna Dharwadker in 2009.

About Mohan Rakesh

Mohan Rakesh is a well known name in Hindi literature. His other plays include Aadhe Adhure, Mohan Rakesh Ke Sampurn Natak, Leheron Ke Raj Hans, and Rata Bitane Taka Tatha Anya Dhvani Nataka. He has also written four novels, Na Aane Wala Kal, Antral, Andhere Band Kamre, and Bakalama Khuda.

He was born in 1925 in Amritsar. He completed his Master’s in Hindi and English from Punjab University in Lahore. He began his career as a teacher before becoming a full time writer. He was bestowed the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1968. He has contributed significantly in the genres of travelogue, short story, criticism, and memoir. He died at the age of 46 in New Delhi, in 1972.