DNA 

• Strenuous bandobast, police investigations and erratic working hours are no deterrent for the 22 policemen and women who continue to pursue their passion - theatre.

Mumbai, Jan 14 (mb): A troupe of police officials rehearsed for a little over a month and a half to put their best foot forward, leaving aside their police investigations. The play, Agnishiksha, based on the life of King Chandragupta Maurya, won the team the first prize at the state-level competition Maharashtra Rajya Natya Spardha, held in Mumbai. Over 16 participants, including the BMC, BEST, BPT and other state government and private offices, were vying for the trophy.

“Acting was always a hobby,” said police constable Sanjay Rane of the Sion police station, who played a pivotal role in the play. “It is refreshing and gives us a break from the routine,” he added.

For the 45-year-old Sanjay Kadam, head constable with the Special Branch I, who directed the play, it is a dream come true. With a penchant for drama since his formative years, he was a popular theatre artiste in school and college.

“After I joined the force, I thought it was an end of my dreams,” said Kadam. “But soon after, police personnel with similar interests got together and formed a theatre club. It’s been fun performing and competing year after year,” he added. This year, luckily, they weren’t called to report to duty during a crisis.

For Vidya Maurya, 27, who joined the force a year ago, the opportunity to perform opened up doors to pursue her passion. Participating in the competition for the second time in a row, Maurya enjoyed every bit of the rehearsals and the final performance.

“There was a brief confusion as I had to choose between a career in acting and in police. I chose to join the police,” said Maurya. A constable with the Local Arms division of the Mumbai police, Maurya said she had won many accolades during college.