A Comparative Analysis of Gravediggers’ Scene in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider

Abstract

The Gravediggers’ scene in Hamlet performs a dramatic function with the melding of seriousness and comic element. The scene which takes place in the most gripping moment of the play is probably one of the most famous in Shakespeare plays. Apart from serving as a comic relief in the rise of the action, the Gravediggers’ scene also delves in to some of the major themes of the play. This scene also provides a wide scope for direction and performance in theatre and film. Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider is a modern day adaptation of the play Hamlet which is set amidst the turmoil of Kashmir. The movie was released in 2014 and its main cast includes Shahid Kapoor (Haider), Tabu (Ghazala), Sredha Kapoor (Arshia) and Kay Kay Menon (Khurram). The Gravediggers’ scene in Hamlet is one of the most famous and well acclaimed iconic scenes in Shakespeare plays. This paper will attempt a comparative analysis of Gravediggers’ Scene in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider.