LUCKNOW, April 9 -- Even in the attire of a Prime Minister, he remained a tender-hearted poet at his core; politics could never fully shroud his true self. This was depicted during the play 'Meri Yatra Atal Yatra' at the BM Shah Auditorium of Bhartendu Natya Academy on Wednesday. Written and directed by Chandrabhushan Singh, the play demonstrated that the politician Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee could never suppress the poet within him. The play was staged as part of the academy's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The play also depicted how the poet in him constantly inspired him to remain a sensitive human being rather than just a PM. The solo play wove together his journey from his first poem, 'Yeh Taj Mahal, Yeh Taj Mahal', to his final work, 'Maut Se Than Gayi'. The stage captured the poignant conflict when prime ministerial protocol prevented him from meeting people. In one section of the play his simplicity was highlighted: Even after receiving the nation's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna, a deep desire awakened within him to leave everything and become a poet once again. The play also highlighted his deep connection with Lucknow. Vipin Kumar played Vajpayee, and with songs like 'Geet Naya Gata Hoon', he vividly portrayed Vajpayee's journey. Later in the evening, questions related to Buddha were explored as part of the play 'Buddha: Nirman Se Nirvan Tak' at the Raj Bisaria Thrust Auditorium. It was directed by BNA director Bipin Kumar, where, moving away from the traditional narrative, the story of Buddha was presented through a fresh lens using two fictional characters: 'Neellohit' - symbolising the inquisitive mind, and 'Ichhamati' - representing infinite desires. The performance depicted the relationship between Gautam Buddha and Yashodhara, alongside the internal conflict of his departure and inner defeat-where the 'iconoclast' Buddha ultimately ends up becoming an 'icon' (statue) himself. The play culminated with Buddha's disciple, Anand, suggesting he remain silent for the welfare of the Sangha. Buddha then delivers the message of 'Appo Deepo Bhava' (Be your own light) and transitions into eternal silence....