Ank marks 50 years with ‘Veera Rani Abbakka’ in Chembur

Preeta Mathur Thakur will lead *Veera Rani Abbakka*, Ank’s 88th production, when it premieres at Fine Arts Theatre in Chembur on September 18 at 6.45pm.

The period drama marks 50 years of the Mumbai Hindi theatre group founded in 1976 by Thakur’s late husband, actor, playwright and director Dinesh Thakur. Ank staged its first production at a Durga Puja pandal in Bandra. Dinesh Thakur later built a repertoire including comedies such as *Hum Dono*, *Tum Kya Jaano Preet* and *Hai Mera Dil*, alongside dramas including *Khamosh! Adalat Jari Hai*, *Kanyadaan* and *Anji*.

A queen’s story on stage

Preeta Mathur Thakur co-wrote the new play with dialogue writer Richa Sharad, and also designed and directed it. The production has 25 actors, with a set designed by Atul Tiwari.

The play follows Queen Veera Abbakka of Ullala, also known as Abhaya Rani. The production presents her as an early opponent of Portuguese expansion along India’s west coast. Thakur said the writing took more than two years, beginning in 2021-22, partly because the team had to identify which of several rulers named Abbakka would be at the centre of the story.

Carrying Ank forward

Dinesh Thakur fell ill in 2008 and died in 2012. Preeta Mathur Thakur said she took over the group after he could no longer perform and had promised him she would keep Ank running until its 50th year.

Ank plans a Dinesh Thakur Legacy Festival in 2027, along with a book on Dinesh Thakur and felicitations for theatre groups and senior practitioners as part of its golden-jubilee programme. Further Mumbai shows of *Veera Rani Abbakka* are planned after the Chembur premiere.