Aadhe-Adhure: A Critique of Contemporary Domestic Life

Abstract

Mohan Rakesh occupies a coveted place as one of those who made a significant contribution in building up the early post- independence Hindi Literature. He is emphatically remembered today as a playwright par excellence who revolutionized dialogue-writing in Hindi drama. Rakesh’s  Aadhe-adhure is an epoch-making work that projects the transition of values in urban middle class family. He probes deeply into the problems and psyche of this particular class through the ruthless and dispassionate portrayal of Savitri-Mahendranath family. This landmark play deals with the theme of breakdown in relations but very differently. Rakesh has brilliantly captured and brought on the fore- hopelessness and utter rottenness of value system of middle class family that emerged after independence in a poignant manner. This paper highlights the problems and plight of modern man who is entangled in the web of selfish pursuits, how materialistic compulsions lead to moral degradation, loneliness, resulting in constant anguish and deserted life of the individual due to distortion and decay of those values which help to keep family and society in order leading to complete disintegration.