New Yorker inspired by her Bihar roots

PATNA: She is a full-time New York-based corporate lawyer, director of a non-profit theatre production company and, she gets inspiration from her roots in Bihar. Meet Bhavna Thakur. Life may have taken her to New York. But, her heart is very much rooted to Bihar. No wonder, she is keen to direct a play on Chanakya, the writings in Arthashashta and the golden age of Patliputra under Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya's reign. "History is a strong reference point and can provide inspirational lessons for the future," she says. Daughter of senior IAS officer Ajay Kumar Thakur, Bhavna still remembers her Bihar connections vividly. "I am very proud to be a Bihari and always acknowledge my roots. My most important formative experiences in Bihar is related to the education I received from my grandfather Hari Kishore Thakur who was a lawyer and a freedom fighter. He introduced me to the world of books and poetry. He could not wait to see me grow up fast enough. I remember reading Tolstoy's War and Peace when I was fifteen and spending the summer discussing it with him. My mother insisted that I read Hindi writers," she said while speaking to TOI. Bhavna's academic background has been impressive and she currently works in one of New York's leading law firms. But it is her passion for theatre which is making news. In fact, she is the director of a non-profit making theatre company — Alter Ego Production. "Alter Ego is made up of people who work on Wall Street, finance, law, architecture, graphic design, marketing etc in New York City. A whole bunch of South Asian professionals who have day jobs but moonlights in the theatre," she said. Bhavna has even acted in several plays like Joseph Kesserling's Arsenic and old lace and Woody Allen's Don't drink the water. And, she has directed plays like Peter Brook's Mahabharata and has produced several plays through her company. "We provide a unique space in theatre by bringing in stories from South Asia and provide a space for minority actors to get a chance to play leading roles," she said. Bhavna's latest production A first Class Man, written by Los Angeles playwright David Freeman is currently running in Street Theatre, New York. It is based on the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the shipping clerk who became a mathematical wizard without any formal training. "Two Hollywood teams are now competing to make feature film on his life. There is a rock number on his life too," Bhavna says, pointing to the success of her latest production. "It was important for us that this great Indian mathematical genius is recognised," she adds. Would she consider making a film for Bollywood? "I did spend one summer in a film school in New York and am certainly open to directing a film in Bollywood... But, only one step at a time. Perhaps another play first, in the medium I am more experienced in. Only then I will look towards films," she says.