Mahesh Dattani’s “Tara” stands as a poignant exploration of societal prejudices, familial dynamics, and individual identity, all masterfully woven through its compelling characterization. The play, originally titled “Where There’s a Will” and later revised, delves into the harrowing tale of conjoined twins, Tara and Chandan, who are separated at birth, a decision profoundly influenced by patriarchal bias and a family’s desperate desire for a “normal” son. Dattani employs a nuanced approach to character development, presenting figures that are neither entirely virtuous nor wholly villainous, but rather complex individuals shaped by internal conflicts, external pressures, and the tragic consequences of their choices.

The art of characterization in “Tara” is not merely descriptive; it is deeply analytical and symbolic, serving as the primary vehicle for the play’s powerful social commentary. Each character, from the central figures of Tara and Chandan to the seemingly peripheral ones like Dr. Thakkar, embodies a facet of the societal issues Dattani seeks to address – be it gender discrimination, medical ethics, parental ambition, or the psychological aftermath of trauma and guilt. The characters are not static entities but evolve, or tragically devolve, revealing layers of vulnerability, resentment, and a desperate yearning for acceptance, making the play resonate with a profound human truth.

The Symbiotic Core: Tara and Chandan (Dan)

At the heart of “Tara” are the titular character and her brother, Chandan, whose lives are irrevocably intertwined by their shared past as conjoined twins. Their initial physical union metaphorically extends to a deep psychological and emotional bond that persists long after their surgical separation. Dattani uses their relationship to explore themes of identity, otherness, and the lasting impact of parental decisions.

Tara, the female twin, emerges as a spirited and vivacious individual despite her physical disability – a leg that never fully developed due to the botched separation surgery. In her youth, she exhibits remarkable resilience, a mischievous wit, and a defiant spirit, often challenging Chandan and their parents. Her longing for normalcy is palpable, manifested in her desire for friends, her joy in simple pleasures, and her deep sense of injustice. However, Tara’s character arc is predominantly tragic. As she uncovers the truth about the unequal separation – that her parents deliberately chose to favor Chandan by giving him the healthier leg – her spirit gradually erodes, replaced by resentment, bitterness, and a profound sense of betrayal. Her physical deterioration mirrors her emotional decline, symbolizing the societal amputation she experiences as a female child deemed “lesser.” Dattani skillfully portrays her shift from a lively girl to a reclusive, embittered young woman, highlighting the devastating psychological toll of discrimination and the crushing weight of being an unwanted burden. Tara is not just a character; she is a powerful symbol of the millions of girls in patriarchal societies who are undervalued, marginalized, and effectively “cut off” from equal opportunities and acceptance. Her final retreat into silence and eventual death underscore the destructive consequences of gender bias.

Chandan, who later assumes the pseudonym “Dan” while living in London, functions as the play’s primary narrator and its emotional core. His character is defined by an overwhelming sense of guilt, trauma, and a perpetual identity crisis stemming from the surgical separation and the subsequent revelation of his parents’ deception. Chandan’s bond with Tara is almost mystical; he often feels her pain, both physical and emotional, as if a part of him remains connected to her. He struggles with survivor’s guilt, haunted by the knowledge that his life came at the direct expense of Tara’s well-being. Dattani uses Chandan’s fragmented memories and his present-day attempts to reconstruct the past to reveal the truth incrementally, creating suspense and deepening the psychological complexity. Chandan’s narrative voice is melancholic and introspective, reflecting his lifelong struggle to reconcile with his past and come to terms with his parents’ morally reprehensible decision. His character arc is one of painful self-discovery and an enduring search for atonement, even after Tara’s death. He remains emotionally crippled, unable to forge normal relationships, constantly reliving the trauma. Through Chandan, Dattani explores the profound and lasting psychological scars inflicted not just on the victim of discrimination but also on the beneficiary, who carries the burden of unearned privilege and guilt.

The relationship between Tara and Chandan is the play’s beating heart. Their shared childhood memories, their private language, and their profound understanding of each other foreground the tragedy of their forced separation. Their conversations, often filled with a mixture of innocence, sibling rivalry, and deep affection, illuminate the true cost of their parents’ decision. Their initial unity contrasts sharply with their post-separation struggles, showcasing how external forces can warp even the most fundamental human bonds.

The Architects of Fate: Bharati and Patel

The parents, Bharati and Patel, are the catalysts for the central conflict and the embodiments of societal pressures. Dattani presents them not as outright villains, but as complex figures driven by a combination of love, ambition, fear, and internalized patriarchal norms.

Bharati, the mother, is perhaps the most psychologically complex character in the play. She initially appears as a nurturing figure, deeply concerned for her children. However, her actions reveal a manipulative and ultimately destructive maternal love. She is the one who masterminds the unequal separation, convincing Dr. Thakkar to prioritize Chandan’s health by allocating him the healthier leg, believing it would secure a “normal” future for her son. Her motivation, while seemingly rooted in a desire to protect her male child, stems from a deeply ingrained societal bias that values male offspring over female. Dattani portrays her justifications as a twisted form of sacrifice, driven by fear of social ostracization and the perceived burden of a disabled female child. She suffers immense guilt and remorse after Tara’s death, descending into alcoholism and a state of perpetual agony. Bharati’s character is a powerful indictment of internalized patriarchy, showing how women themselves can perpetuate gender discrimination within the family structure. Her suffering, while profound, is presented without offering full absolution, emphasizing the irrevocable damage caused by her choices. She represents the tragic figure who, in trying to conform to societal expectations, destroys her own family.

Patel, the father, initially seems more detached and passive, often appearing in the background while Bharati takes the lead in decision-making. However, his complicity is equally significant. He is the patriarchal figurehead, deeply entrenched in the societal expectation of having a “complete” male heir. While Bharati executes the plan, Patel provides the underlying ideological support and does not intervene to protect Tara’s interests. His actions, such as signing the consent forms and later attempting to atone by offering Tara a piece of land, are indicative of his adherence to a transactional view of relationships and responsibilities. His offer of land is a hollow gesture, a belated attempt to buy off his guilt, failing to address the emotional and physical harm inflicted. Dattani portrays Patel as representative of the silent, yet powerful, patriarchal authority that underpins much of the discrimination against women in Indian society. His character highlights how societal norms can compel individuals to make morally questionable choices, often prioritizing social acceptance and lineage over the well-being of their children.

The dynamic between Bharati and Patel is crucial. Their shared culpability, though manifested differently, underscores the systemic nature of the discrimination Tara faces. Their interactions reveal a marriage under immense strain, burdened by a terrible secret and the catastrophic consequences of their collective decision.

The Ethical Compass: Dr. Thakkar

Dr. Thakkar, the surgeon who performs the separation, represents the medical establishment and its complex ethical dilemmas. He is portrayed as a professional bound by his medical oath, yet also susceptible to external pressures. His character raises critical questions about medical responsibility, patient autonomy (or lack thereof, in this case), and the influence of family dynamics on medical decisions. Dattani does not demonize Dr. Thakkar; rather, he presents him as a man caught between scientific detachment and the human cost of his actions. He is swayed by Bharati’s desperate plea to prioritize Chandan, implying a tacit acceptance of the patriarchal bias prevalent in society. Dr. Thakkar’s decision to favor one twin over the other, even if for medical expediency or parental influence, highlights the ethical quandaries that arise when personal biases or societal pressures infiltrate medical practice. He embodies the broader systemic issue where professional ethics can be compromised by deeply ingrained social hierarchies and power dynamics, making him an important conduit for Dattani’s critique of unchecked authority and accountability in the medical field.

Minor Characters and Symbolic Depth

While the focus remains on the family, minor characters like Nandini, Tara’s school friend, offer glimpses into Tara’s longing for a normal life and her experience of being an “outsider.” Nandini’s presence briefly highlights the stark contrast between Tara’s confined, challenging existence and the seemingly carefree lives of other teenagers. She serves as a reminder of what Tara is denied.

Dattani’s characterization is not just about individuals; it’s about their symbolic weight. Tara’s missing leg is a powerful metaphor for her truncated life and societal neglect. Chandan’s “Dan” persona is an attempt to reconstruct an identity free from the past, yet he remains perpetually tethered to Tara’s memory. The physical act of separation becomes a symbolic act of severing familial bonds and identities based on gender bias. The characters’ names themselves carry significance: “Tara” means star, implying a bright but distant and ultimately unreachable light, while “Chandan” is sandalwood, often associated with a soothing presence, but in this context, also carrying the weight of its usage in rituals and traditions.

Character Development and Psychological Depth

Dattani excels in portraying the psychological depth of his characters. The play employs a non-linear narrative, shifting between past and present, which allows for a gradual revelation of character motivations and their evolution. Chandan’s present-day guilt and his attempts to piece together the truth provide the framework for understanding the past actions of his parents and Tara’s slow deterioration. This structure allows the audience to witness the characters’ transformations – Tara’s spiritedness giving way to bitterness, Bharati’s initial determination crumbling into remorse, and Chandan’s youthful innocence replaced by a profound melancholia.

The internal monologues and fragmented dialogues reveal the characters’ inner turmoil. Bharati’s rationalizations for her actions, Chandan’s agonizing guilt, and Tara’s expressions of resentment are all rendered with painful realism. Dattani avoids simplistic, one-dimensional portrayals. Bharati, for instance, is not a villain driven by malice, but a deeply flawed human being trapped by societal expectations and her own misguided love. Her suffering, though self-inflicted through her choices, makes her pitiable, adding layers of complexity to her character. This ambiguity invites the audience to empathize even with the “culprits,” prompting a deeper reflection on the societal forces that shape individual choices. The psychological scars of the past are deeply etched onto the present lives of Chandan and Bharati, demonstrating the lasting impact of their decisions.

Characters as Vehicles for Social Commentary

Ultimately, Dattani’s characters serve as potent vehicles for his social commentary. Through Tara, he critiques the pervasive gender discrimination in Indian society, where female children are often considered a burden and male heirs are prized. Bharati and Patel embody the patriarchal mindset and the family pressures that perpetuate such biases. Dr. Thakkar raises questions about medical ethics and accountability in a system that can be influenced by socio-economic factors and gender preferences. Chandan’s character explores the long-term psychological impact of trauma, guilt, and the search for identity in the shadow of family secrets.

The play meticulously constructs a world where individual lives are tragically shaped by deep-seated prejudices. Each character, through their actions, decisions, and ultimate fates, contributes to the overall message: that discrimination, however subtle or well-intentioned, leaves indelible wounds, affecting not just the immediate victims but all those connected to the tragedy. Dattani’s critical estimate of characterization in “Tara” thus rests on its ability to create complex, multifaceted individuals whose struggles transcend their personal narratives to reflect broader societal maladies.

Mahesh Dattani’s “Tara” is a testament to the power of characterization in dramatic literature. The play’s enduring impact stems directly from the playwright’s ability to craft deeply human and psychologically resonant characters who embody the complex interplay of personal choices and societal pressures. Each character, from the tragically wronged Tara and the guilt-ridden Chandan to the misguided Bharati and the complicit Patel, contributes vital layers to the narrative, transforming a family drama into a profound social commentary.

Dattani eschews simplistic portrayals, opting instead for a nuanced approach that reveals the ambiguities of human nature. The characters are not static figures but dynamic entities, evolving and suffering under the weight of their past decisions and the pervasive societal biases that shape their lives. Their internal conflicts, their desires, and their ultimate fates are meticulously etched, allowing the audience to witness the devastating consequences of discrimination and the enduring scars it leaves on the human psyche. This intricate characterization not only drives the plot but also deepens the play’s thematic richness, making the abstract concept of gender inequality tangible and emotionally resonant.

Through the intricate web of relationships and the painful revelations of their shared history, the characters in “Tara” emerge as archetypes of universal human experiences: the yearning for acceptance, the burden of guilt, the complexities of familial love, and the relentless search for identity. Their struggles, while rooted in a specific cultural context, echo the dilemmas faced by individuals in diverse societies. Dattani’s masterful characterization thus elevates “Tara” beyond a mere story of conjoined twins, solidifying its place as a powerful and enduring work of theatre that compels audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice, responsibility, and the human cost of a fractured self.