Kathmandu To be Roll No 1 (by scoring the highest in the entire class), a student is always under pressure to perform his/her best. From school to teachers to family and relatives, everyone wants such students to always outshine all in their studies. Time and again they are reminded to be the one who society respects — most often doctors. But no one wants to know the interest and desire of that child. Attempting to fulfil others’ desires while growing up, they fail to achieve their own dreams. The play Roll No 1, being staged at Sarwanam Theatre, Kalikasthan from July 6, tries to depict a similar plight of a student Prakash (Arpan Basnet). No one can beat Prakash, a motherless child, at his studies. Though good in academics, people impose their wish upon Prakash regarding his future. He wants to fulfil his mother’s last wish by becoming a doctor. His father Badri Baa (Dilaram Bhagwat Sapkota) too wants his son to become one, so does his Master Saab (Ram Krishna Timilsina). Even the villagers want district topper Prakash to become a doctor. However, Prakash is in love with Urmila (Aabha Nepal). Despite her desire to study nursing, she is forced to get married. And her maternal uncle (Parikshit Bickram Rana) is in search of a British Lahure for the groom. So, Urmila wants Prakash to join the British Army. Prakash gives up his dream of becoming a doctor and trains to join the British Army. He fails. His classmate Pradip (Resham Pun) joins the same army and marries his girlfriend Urmila. Prakash, who had never failed in life before, doesn’t succeed in the army and fails to get his girlfriend too. What psychological state does he go through and what fate awaits him? What is Prakash’ desire in life? What plight does Prakash meet when Urmila gets married? No one tries to know this. It won’t be difficult for the audience to guess what will happen to Prakash, but this dramatic irony is well-maintained till the end. Basnet, as a lover and responsible student, is apt for the role. His frustration, emotions and eyes filled with tears make one feel for this character. The setting of the classroom is almost real — back benchers are seen talking. Basnet and Nepal are best in their lovebirds’ roles. The best part about the play is the use of lights — switching the light on and off and focusing upon Urmila, Master Saab and Badri Baa is one best scene. The play of lights syncs with dialogues and is praiseworthy. Rana training the wanna-be Lahures makes one laugh when they are forced to hold their breath. Villagers gossiping in a tea shop and boys playing cards reflect the scenario of villages. Directed and written by students (seventh batch) of Sarwanam, it will be staged till July 17 except on Thursday at 5: 15 pm.