Critical study of Sandhya Gokhale's Drama "Quest"

Abstract This paper has presented critical study of Sandhya Gokhale’s drama “Quest” that explore themes of matrimony, identity, sexuality, and emotional self-discovery. In the period of two decades, there has been dramatic emergency of public and scientific awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives and issues. This awareness can be trace to large sociocultural shifts in understanding sexual and gender identities, including the emergence of the gay. Sandhya Gokhale is an Assistant Director, screenplay writer and actor. By profession she is an Advocate. She done her post graduation specializing in Civil Rights Law. After that she shifted in America and started her career as litigator. Here she countered modern issues sexual harassment at work place, racism, discrimination, child abusement, homosexual rights, HIV – related biasness. By facing these parameters of her point of view and understanding was broadened. She also practiced in the USA as litigator for about 10 years. Sandhya Gokhale shifted to India and started her profession as a lawyer in Mumbai High Court also want to follow her keen interest in writing and performing arts. Whatever newer experiences she had in America she pens down in her writing in well mannered. She touched those sensitive issues which are social taboos in Indian scenario yet to unspoken. Her films created awareness and open different layers of issues before the audience. She explored path breaking female protagonist as strong, liberal, they questing on patriarchal dominance, exploring sexuality, free from societal boundaries. Her works Daayara (1996), Anahat (2003), Paheli (2005), Quest (in Marathi “Thang”) (2006), Samantar (2009), We Are On! Houn Jau Dya (2013) etc. It’s a first English language Indian drama also adopted in movie which won the National Film Award. for Best Feature Film at the 54th National Film Awards, directed by famous actor Amol Palekar. It was released at Brisbane International Flim Festival on 5th August, 2006. It made in Marathi and English version simultaneously.