I've evolved as a performing artist primarily through theatre, where I've honed not only my acting skills but also explored writing and direction. Theatre is more than just artistic expression to me; it's a dynamic tool for engaging with society. It is a space, where we continuously learn, unlearn, exchange ideas, and observe its impact on society.
'Gumraah'- A street play centered around the issue of juvenile delinquency. The production made an effort to present the psyche of a juvenile offender in order to better understand what drives a young person to choose a life of crime. Peer pressure, drug use, and other elements of urban youth culture were all addressed in the performance, along with more particular issues like poverty and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Saadat Hasan Manto's collection, "Manto Ki Aurtain," features six renowned short tales, including "Dus Rupaye," "License," "Khudkhushi," "Khol Do," "Hatak," and "Mozail." These stories vividly depict the distressing conditions faced by marginalized women, children, and men in our society, shedding light on the unfortunate misuse of religion. Each tale serves as a poignant reflection on societal issues. To make these narratives more relevant to the contemporary world and our role in its development, the tales had been updated, ensuring they resonate with the current state of affairs and provide valuable insights into our collective responsibility for societal progress.
"Hawalat" which was directed by Bandana Rawat and penned by Sarveshwar Dayal Saxena, makes a remark on the society's flawed functioning, inequity, and injustices.
"Ansuni Awaazein," a street performance, addressed the plight of those confined behind bars, highlighting their marginalization and exclusion from mainstream society. The performance shed light on the unfair treatment of prisoners and the generally deplorable conditions prevalent in Indian prisons. It initiated a conversation about the stark reality that human rights are often perceived as privileges reserved for the elite, underscoring the need for awareness and advocacy in addressing systemic issues within the justice system.
"Oops, It's Uncomfortable!" is a play influenced by Simone De Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" and Eve Ensler's "The Vaginal Monologues." The narrative centers on three women representing diverse social and economic classes. The play delves into the vocabulary of silence, unveiling unspoken dialogues that society often hushes, bringing them into the public domain. Despite the women's diverse backgrounds, the play explores the common thread of empathy and the oppressive practices ingrained in a patriarchal system. It delves into the emotional complexities imposed by defined notions of morality and immorality that the marginalized gender experiences. The storytelling is ruthless in its honesty, offering a brutally honest and unfiltered portrayal of the challenges faced by these women.
The play "Pehle Aap," set in Lucknow, India, was written by Dr. Iftikhar Alam and directed by Fahad Khan. The storyline unfolds in a humorous scenario where two mischievous individuals endeavor to instigate a brawl among the locals. Their initial target is to incite conflict between the close friends Rai Sahib and Nawaab Sahib. Notably, the friends' close bond is evident as they consult each other before making decisions. The plot of the drama revolves around the comedic antics of these two long-time friends.
Dash was a street play performance that addressed the commercialization of faith and how it affects society.
The play "On a Muggy Night in Mumbai" by Mahesh Dattani delves into the complexities of LGBTQI+ identity, exploring themes of partnership, self-assurance, and betrayal. It sheds light on societal stigmas and the additional challenges of dealing with the stigma of mental illness that often accompanies living in secrecy within a conservative culture.
Fahad Khan directed 'Ek Sadi Hazaar Sadiyaan,' inspired by short tales from Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi and Ajay Navaria. The performance intricately weaved together the intertwined themes of gender, caste, and class, providing a nuanced exploration of these multifaceted subjects
