19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Iconic play Kaifi Aur Main travels to Pune with star-studded cast, including Shabana Azmi
'Kaifi aur Main is the love story of two individuals but it is not only that,' says poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar in the introduction to the iconic play he wrote that is set to be staged in Pune next month.
'It is also the story of the world in which these two people were born, the society in which they breathed. It was a society where there is oppression and injustice, and these two individuals unite to fight every breach of justice and tyranny. This is a story of a multitude, of every person who holds on to hope that, one day, the world will be free of oppression and there will be friendship and love,' he says about the play he wrote and, for many years, starred in.
Kaifi aur Main premiered in Mumbai in 2006 and, as it approaches its 20th year, the star-studded cast of Shabana Azmi, Kanwaljit Singh and ghazal singer Jaswinder Singh, who performs live, will be will be staged at Marigold Banquet and Conventions on August 3 at 7 pm.
The story arcs from Mijwan, a little-known village without a pincode in Uttar Pradesh, where the Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi was born, to his meeting with young Shaukat (mother of Shabana Azmi) to their 55-year romance that lasted till his death. 'The story is about love, the relationship of a husband and wife and how they support each other,' says Jaswinder Singh.
Kaifi and Shaukat's relationship unfolds against the background of sociopolitical upheaval as a newly Independent India strives towards great ideals. Shabana, the daughter of Kaifi and Shaukat, plays her mother while Kanwaljit has taken over from Akhtar to essay the role of the renowned poet. The personal narrative intersperses with the world context in a way that the play becomes a documentation of an era in a powerful female voice.
'Kaifi sahab was the president of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), a progressive cultural organisation that played a vital part during the freedom struggle. The progressive writers and artistes were from IPTA, and they met, wrote plays and poetry and sent out meaningful messages. As a child, I used to meet Kaifi sahab and we have grown up listening to his poetry, so it is a very personal for us to be doing this performance. It is inspired by love for him, his poetry and his philosophy,' says Jaswinder, in a phone interview from Mumbai.
Kaifi aur Main does not have the typical format of a play. Shabana and Kanwaljit sit and narrate on stage with Jaswinder and five musicians who perform timeless songs, such as Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam, Tumhari Zulf Ke Saye Mein and Kar Chale Hum Fida – the multiple forms uniting to narrate the story.
'I think it is very important that we should do such kinds of plays and music programmes because, as a society, we are getting away from love. Kaifi sahab stood for his fellow being, the villagers and the poor, and the play gives the message where he says, 'Pyar ka jashan nai tarah manana hoga, Pyar ka jashan nai tarah manana hoga, gam kisi dil mein sahi, gam ko mitana hoga,' says Jaswinder.
Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
