‘Chandra’ who was killed by society and social barrier

In recent times, I rarely watch dramas. Mostly because of a lack of time and to be honest, a lack of interest too. I do watch movies occasionally, but I’m usually not excited to go to the theatre to watch plays. However, last Saturday, I had both: time and interest. So, I went to Mandala Theatre, located at Baneshwor Thapagaun, to watch the drama “Chandralai Kasle Maryao?”

As a media person, I’ve been somewhat active on social media recently. But unfortunately, I hadn’t come across anything about this drama’s story. So, for me, it was a quite surprise. After getting our tickets, I entered the theatre with some friends. At first, there were plenty of empty seats. But slowly, the hall filled up. Then, the play began…!

“This world is fake, Chandra-please come with us.” Two cows (characters) walk on stage and say this to Chandra, the lead character. The play started like this. For the first 15-20 minutes, I felt quite bored. Maybe it was the crowd, or the intense heat. I wanted to leave. But somehow, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I slumped back, suffocating in that stifling atmosphere. It wasn’t just me my friend Samjhana, who had only come because of me, was feeling the same way. Seeing her uncomfortable made me even more disappointed. To my left, a man (a stranger) was laughing loudly. His voice echoed throughout the hall. But for me, it was still boring. I kept shifting in my seat, turning this way and that. On stage, however, the actors were deeply immersed in their performance.

Depiction of Social Reality

On stage, the actors were portraying a very real social issue, the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ (sexual and gender minority) community in Nepal(also in some others country). Slowly, I started to flow along with the story not just the plot, but the mindset of our society that was reflected in the characters.

The narrative exposed the exclusion that LGBTQ+ individuals face. The main character, Chandra, belongs to this community someone who couldn’t find the space or courage to define himself openly. But his mother sensed the truth, even though he never said it directly. Instead of supporting him, she rejected him. “How can I change myself, Mum? ” Chandra cries on a phone call. But his mother doesn’t even listen. “You are dead to me. Don’t call me again”; she says angrily and hangs up.

Repeatedly insulted with the slur “chakka” even by his own friends, Chandra becomes emotionally shattered. Around the same time, he gets suspended from college. The constant rejection and humiliation from family, friends, relatives, and society frustrates him. On top of that, discriminatory laws burden him mentally, physically, and emotionally. Overwhelmed, Chandra starts losing interest in life. He begins to consider ending it all…!

This drama reflects how Nepali society treats the LGBTQ+ community and how the government often ignores their struggles. It highlights the legal and social gaps in ensuring their rights. It raises questions for the government, the law, policy-makers, society, and even families.

Written and directed by Sandeep Shrestha,”Chandralai Kasle Maryo?” is not just the story of Chandra. It’s the lived experience and voice of many people who cannot introduce themselves openly, who live in fear because of societal restrictions and legal silence. Even those who do dare to come out often meet the same fate as Chandra ridicule, rejection and ultimately…!

Unopened Love and Hidden Relationships

Another character in the drama is Yug, who is drawn to Chandra. Although Chandra gradually pulls away, the two share a romantic and emotional history. Yug, however, is afraid of relationships and public emotion. Even at Chandra’s birthday celebration, when all their friends are gathered, Yug pretends he doesn’t know Chandra. He is afraid of society, his friends, rejection, and his own family.
“I am unable to live in public as a hijra. If my parents find out, what will happen?” Through an introspective letter, Yug tells Chandra, “I am a weak and cowardly person. I don’t deserve love. “

Silence and Psychological Disturbance

In the drama, Chandra often dreams imagines things. These dreams reflect his inner conflicts, subconscious struggles, and past traumas. They leave him restless in reality. Chandra’s performance reveals his shifting mental states pain, fear, emotional trauma, and its consequences. He becomes psychologically unstable because of unfulfilled love, societal and legal barriers to marriage, and rejection from his mother and others. Even from his hospital bed, when the name ‘Yug’ is mentioned, Chandra becomes scared and agitated, shouting in pain…!

How Relevant Is This Story in Present Society?

“I can’t tell my family, Miss. I already have a bad reputation with my brother.” This is what a friend of mine said to me last year. He was afraid of being rejected by his family if he revealed his true identity. He often used to say,”I like boys, Miss but please don’t tell anyone. ” That friend, actively engaged in social issues and journalism, is a real-life example of this reality. There are many like him. Some have never had the courage to come out. And even those who have, still struggle to live freely and happily. Just like Chandra, society strangles them with rules, fear, and shame. They are metaphorically hanged killed under the weight of social expectations.

In my opinion, ‘Chandralai Kasle Maryao?’  is a powerful tale that constantly challenges society to reflect. It confronts a system that labels sexual and gender minorities as ‘unnatural’, refusing to accept their identity, love and existence. This drama questions the mindset of even those in Nepali society who consider themselves “educated” and “liberal”. 

This drama tells the story of those many “Chandras” who still suppress their true selves out of fear of their families, relatives, society, and the state. They remain trapped within the rigid walls of culture, tradition, and the fearof ‘honor’.

In my opinion, ‘Chandralai Kasle Maryao?’  is a powerful tale that constantly challenges society to reflect. It confronts a system that labels sexual and gender minorities as ‘unnatural’, refusing to accept their identity, love and existence. This drama questions the mindset of even those in Nepali society who consider themselves “educated” and “liberal”. 

Drama: Chandralai Kase maryao?

Writer & Director: Sandeep Shrestha

Duration: About 122 minutes

Venue: Mandala Theatre, Thapagaun

Showtimes: Every day at 5:30 pm except Monday and an extra 1:15 pm show on Saturday until August

Cast: Sandeep Shrestha(Chandra), Sita Ghimire(Chandra’s Mother), Mausam Khadka(Yug), Kiran Chapagain (Kittu), Bhawana Uprety, Milan Karki, Pritisha Adhikari, Tenzu Yonjan