Lushin you are very special but sadly I have to decline. Lately I have been feeling my age. Also have vertigo. Please excuse me. I have accepted a few things those I will honour. Hope you understand.
From SHARMILA TAGORE -
Indian actress
Dear Lushin,
I was absolutely captivated by the inaugural performance of "Life of Gautama Buddha" at Kamani Auditorium on July 14th! It was a truly outstanding theatrical experience – enjoyable, thought-provoking, and superbly executed on every level.
The engaging plot, witty dialogue, and powerful message brought the story of Buddha to life in a way that resonated deeply with me. Having recently visited Sarnath, the play had a profound emotional impact, prompting further reflection on this extraordinary figure. The set design and lighting were exceptional, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. The costumes were equally impressive, and the choreography was breathtaking!
Above all, I must commend your performance. Your energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and your dedication to your craft shines through.
Thank you for sharing this remarkable production with the world. Your work is a gift!
Warmly,
Praja
Review by Professor Prajapati
An Inspiring Spiritual & Artist Theatrical Gem : Life of Gautama Buddha
Watching English play, Life of Gautama Buddha, written and directed by the remarkable duo Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabharwal, was an unforgettable experience for me.
As soon as I entered the hall, it felt I was transported into another world. With backlit Buddha image on the stage and a very soothing music, I felt so much calm and peaceful. The play beautifully captured Siddhartha’s transformation from a sheltered life as a prince to his awakening under the Bodhi tree, the story flowed seamlessly, capturing the essence of his quest for enlightenment.
Each and every scene was crafted with such care that I felt immersed in ancient India. The set design, stunning costumes, lighting, the soulful music, and the powerful performances made it a feast for the senses. The way Buddha’s teachings were woven into the story was both thought-provoking and deeply inspiring.
The performances by all the characters were heartfelt. The dancers boys, King Suddodhana (Vikrant C), Rajmata Goutami (Lushin Dubey), Prince Siddhartha (Sid Makar), Yashodhara (Suparna Moitra) stood out clearly. Even the young kids in the play were a delight to watch.
By the end of the play, I found myself inspired, introspective and reflecting on Gautam Buddha’s message of compassion and mindfulness, which feels so relevant even today. I am so grateful I got to witness this incredible production. It’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
- Indra Sood
Buddha Comes Alive on Stage
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Hindustan Times, (Kolkata 11th Feb 2002)
Ilina Dubey and Sumanto Chattopadhyay in The Life of Gautma Buddha
The Life of Gautama Buddha, produced by Bubbles Sabharwal and Lushin Dubey of the Delhi-based theatre group Theatre world and staged at Kala Mandir on behalf of the Chowringhee Wing of the Rotrary Club has to be seen to be believed. With Starling performances from Sumanto Chattopadhaya as Prince Siddartha, Avijit Dutta as King Shuddhodana, Lushin as Gautami, and Ilina Dubey as Siddhartha's wife Yashodhara, the play was a viewers delight.
The lighting by Ashok Bhagat was a totally new experience for Kolkatans. The music muffled strident, menacing, soft, matching the mood of each and every sequence has been composed brilliantly be GS Rajan. The set, designed by Habib & Co. was subtle, minimalist and meaningful.
The main attractions was the choreography of the sequences composed by Santhosh Nair.
With no Jarring Interludes and an effortless flow towards the climax, the play was brilliantly executed.
In Search of Truth
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Delhi Times
In time such as these, it is important to pause, ponder and pay respects to those who devoted their lives and enighten the lives of other and to crate a calm and compassionate world. Life of Budha, the opera performed at the Durbar Hall of The Taj Palace was, indeed, a divine experience for audiences who had come to pay homage to The Enilighened One.
The Play, Directed by Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabharwal, traced the life of Gautam Buddha from his early years of princely youth, who had a beautiful wife, doting parents and a loving sone, yet constantly questioned his existence and eventually renounced at material pleasures to seek Buddhahood. The poor suffering humanity around was enough to convince him that he was "them" and they were in "him". The play, enhanced with melodious music and superb lights, was an enlightening journey for the audiences including Shovana Narayan and Shefali Talwar.
Life of an icon portrayed on Stage
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Review from Dallas, US June 2002
Gautam Buddha…the name has become an icon over so many centuries and conjures images of peace, self-realization and unity with the creator. To attempt a play, a theatrical representation on the life of Buddha is in itself an onerous and challenging task and to say that will perhaps not be considered hyperbole. Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabarwal attempted such a task. The two creative theatre personalities from Delhi have indeed created a play that depicts the life of Buddha in a matter of 2 hours. This musical saga was both written and directed by this duo that have displayed in amazing streak of comfort with such a complicated and extensive subject. The play has been traveling in the US since the past month and has captured the interest of not only South Asians but also the western audience.
Whenever an endeavour to depict a historical figure in literature, films, songs, or plays has been attempted, the creators of the material have often fallen short of perfection. But that to say the least is no surprise. However, the fact that such an attempt to encapsulate the life of Buddha was heroically made by the duo team of Dubey and Sabharwal is in itself an achievement. The play opens with the commentary that if "even 5% of the play can be appreciated by the audience" then the creators will feel well rewarded. So the creators of "Life of Buddha" indeed have reason to celebrate because the play that was performed in Dallas on June 7th 2002 left a mark in the minds and hearts of its audience. The people at the theaters witnessed a representation of Buddha's life in vivid colors to the strong and well-delineated accompaniment of dances, songs and acting. The utilization of colors, costumes, lights, shadows, expressions, and movements were well accentuated in the performance. The use of narration, chorus, the Vedic chants further enhanced the impact of the play. The play certainly left the audience with a desire to know more about Buddha. Perhaps that is one desire Buddha would have himself endorsed…..he desire to know more about his ideology, his philosophy which is essentially about loving Him, the Creator and controlling all other desires since desire leads to suffering. The actors had a superb command over their diction and expression and it will certainly be fair to say that both Dubey and Sabarwal have created a canvas that takes us back in time and that makes us understand a fair share of the man and personality that was Buddha.