Mahesh Dattani’s Tara: A Critical Analysis

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Introduction

Mahesh Dattani is a famous Indian playwright who writes in English. He talks about real problems in Indian society, especially those faced by women, minorities, and people who are often ignored. His play Tara is about how girl children are treated unfairly, even by their own families.

About the Play Tara

  • Tara is about conjoined twins—a boy (Chandan) and a girl (Tara).
  • They are born with three legs, but the third leg got its blood from Tara's body.
  • Even though it was better to give the third leg to Tara, it was given to Chandan.
  • This was not a medical decision but a result of gender bias—they preferred the boy over the girl.
  • The leg later had to be cut off, but the damage to Tara’s life was already done.

What the Play Shows

  1. Gender Discrimination:

    • Even educated families prefer sons over daughters.
    • Society often gives boys more chances, better treatment, and future support.
    • Tara's family chose Chandan to get both legs even though Tara needed them more.

  2. Family Pressure:

    • Tara’s grandfather wanted a male heir and influenced the decision.
    • Her mother agreed to it.
    • Even the doctor accepted a bribe and acted unethically.
    • Tara’s father disagreed silently but didn’t stop it.

  3. Tara’s Strength:

    • Despite being treated unfairly, Tara remains positive.
    • She wants to help others and dreams of doing good in the world.
    • She is smart, funny, and kind, but society never gave her a fair chance.

  4. Chandan’s Guilt:

    • Chandan, her brother, feels guilty after learning the truth.
    • He changes his name to Dan and moves to London.
    • He wants to write about Tara to deal with the pain.

Main Message

  • The play shows how girls are mistreated even before birth.
  • Even mothers can be part of this discrimination.
  • Society, family, and even doctors can be responsible.
  • Tara’s story represents many girls who suffer just because they are female.

Conclusion

Tara is not just about one girl—it reflects what happens to many girls in India. Even in modern times, families still prefer boys. Dattani uses this play to show how unfair society can be and calls for change. Tara is a symbol of all the girls who are strong but are not given a chance.


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