Tara play

Mahesh Dattani’s “Tara” shows the social discrimination

between men and women.‘Tara’ is the main character of this
play. This play shows how this girl became a victim of
discrimination in her own family. This play questions the role
of the Indian society that treats the children born in the same
womb in two different ways.

Mahesh Dattani’s “Tara” not only reveals the struggle of a

disabled child against a variety of odds, it also lays bare the
ugly face of the Indian society. The uncomfortable issues that
Mahesh Dattani discusses in his play “Tara” are about the
helplessness of women in Indian society. The story concerns
Tara, a Siamese girl, born in an upper-middle class family of
the Patels. Tara is born conjoined as one body with her
brother Chandan. They need to be separated from each other
by means of a surgical operation. Dr. Thakkar, an eminent
physician, is consulted by Tara’s mother Bharati, and the
latter’s father, an influential politician. The Siamese twins
have three legs one of which belongs to Tara as the blood
supply comes to this leg from her body. But under the
instruction of Bharati and her father, that leg is cut from
Tara’s body in order to ensure that the male child Chandan
gets two healthy legs. As a result, the girl becomes cripple
and her life is in danger.

Tara is ridiculed by her classmates at school for her limp,

caused by her artificial leg. She is mentally tortured even by
her neighbours Prema, Nalini, and Roopa. Roopa calls her “a
real freak of Nature”. Mr. Patel who represents the male-
dominated society does not want her to pursue higher
studies while he urges his son Chandan to get admission into
a college. Tara is much more intelligent and vibrant than her
brother, yet she is ignored and neglected. Her case is a
pointer to the evil of gender discrimination.

1. Why does Bharati enties Roopa to be friends with

Tara

In Mahesh Dattani's play "Tara," Bharati introduces Roopa as a friend for Tara to
highlight the complexities of familial relationships and societal expectations.
Bharati wants Tara to have a connection that transcends the limitations imposed
by their circumstances, particularly due to Tara's physical disability. Roopa
represents a potential ally who can offer companionship and support, illustrating
the theme of friendship and the longing for acceptance.

Bharati's actions also reflect her own struggles as a mother and her desire to
provide Tara with a fuller life. This decision is rooted in her hope that Roopa's
friendship will help Tara navigate her challenges and bring joy to her life, while
also showcasing Bharati’s deep care and love for her daughter. Ultimately, the
introduction of Roopa serves to further develop the characters and themes of
identity, love, and the quest for belonging in the play.

2. Write a note on Dan’s interview of Dr.Takkar

Dan's interview with Dr. Takkar serves as a crucial moment that highlights the
complex dynamics surrounding gender and identity. Dan, the protagonist, is
seeking to understand the medical and social implications of his sister Tara's
condition, as she is born with a physical disability.

During the interview, Dan’s probing questions reveal his deep concern for Tara’s
well-being and his frustration with societal attitudes toward disabilities,
particularly how they affect women. Dr. Takkar's responses reflect both a medical
perspective and the prevailing social prejudices, emphasizing the bias that often
accompanies gender roles in the context of disability.

This scene effectively sets up the themes of the play, including the struggle for
acceptance and the impact of societal expectations on personal identity. Dan's
determination to advocate for Tara underscores his protective nature and the
brother-sister bond, while Dr. Takkar's insights illuminate the broader societal
challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Overall, the interview is pivotal in establishing the emotional stakes of the

narrative and foreshadowing the conflicts that will unfold as Tara's story
progresses.

3. How does the reference to milk drowning bring out both humour &
pothes

In Mahesh Dattani's "Tara," the reference to milk drowning serves as a

poignant blend of humor and pathos, reflecting the complex emotions
surrounding Tara's situation.

On one hand, the humor arises from the absurdity and exaggeration of the
imagery. Characters use this metaphor to discuss the challenges of caring for
Tara, lightening the mood with playful banter about mundane domestic issues.
This comedic element helps to break the tension, providing a momentary relief
from the heavier themes of the play.

On the other hand, the pathos comes through when the humor is juxtaposed with
the deeper, underlying struggles faced by Tara and her family. The metaphor
highlights the overwhelming nature of their circumstances—like drowning in milk,
they feel submerged in their challenges. It underscores the weight of societal
expectations and the emotional burden of caring for a child with a disability.

This duality enriches the narrative, allowing the audience to engage with both the
lighter and more serious aspects of the characters' lives, ultimately deepening the
exploration of love, sacrifice, and the desire for acceptance.

4. Write a note on the Conflict b/w Patel & Bharati

In Act 1 of Mahesh Dattani's "Tara," the conflict between Patel and Bharati is
central to the exploration of family dynamics and societal expectations. This
conflict stems primarily from differing perspectives on their daughter Tara's
disability and the implications it has for her future. Patel embodies a more
traditional and patriarchal viewpoint. He is often concerned about societal
perceptions and the impact of Tara’s disability on her prospects. His protective
nature leads him to prioritize societal acceptance, which often clashes with his
more progressive wife.

Bharati, on the other hand, advocates for a more inclusive and nurturing
approach. She sees Tara's potential beyond her disability and emphasizes the
importance of love and support. This creates tension, as Bharati's progressive
stance challenges Patel’s ingrained beliefs and fears about how society will treat
Tara.

Their conflict highlights broader themes of gender roles, parental expectations,

and the societal stigma surrounding disabilities. As they navigate their differing
viewpoints, the audience witnesses the emotional strain this places on their
relationship and its potential impact on Tara's development. This conflict not only
deepens the characterizations of Patel and Bharati but also sets the stage for the
ensuing struggles that Tara will face in a society that often fails to embrace
diversity.

5. Prema & Nalini & Roopa’s treatment of Chandan & Tara as freaks

In Act 1 of Mahesh Dattani's "Tara," the treatment of Chandan and Tara by

Prema, Nalini, and Roopa highlights the pervasive stigma surrounding disabilities.
Their characterization of Tara and Chandan as "freaks" reflects societal attitudes
that dehumanize individuals with disabilities, reducing them to their physical
differences.

Prema and Nalini's dismissive remarks reveal their discomfort and ignorance,
showcasing how they view Tara and Chandan not as individuals but as
representatives of a societal "other." This attitude emphasizes the marginalization
that people with disabilities often face. Roopa's involvement further underscores
the complicity of those who, rather than challenge these views, perpetuate them
through their language and actions.

This treatment creates a painful contrast with the love and support that Dan and
Bharati strive to offer Tara. It serves to illuminate the harsh realities of social
prejudice, reinforcing themes of alienation and the struggle for acceptance. The
interactions in this scene evoke a sense of pity and frustration, as the audience
witnesses the impact of societal perceptions on Tara and Chandan’s identities,
emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in a world that often
judges based on appearances.