The play, ‘Where Did I leave My Purdah’ is set against a 50 year background of national history. The drama focuses on the life and times of an actress, Nazia (played by Lillette Dubey) sees the world through her art, but ignores the sharp vicissitudes of the real world.
Nazia has performed for four long decades, apart from seven decades of personal travails and political
upheavals. ‘Where Did I Leave my Purdah’ is a play laced with humour, exploring the passion of an artist, and the consequence of her art on her relationships with those closest to her, both personally and professionally.
The 82-year-old Nazia decided to direct a modern adaptation of Kalidasa’s Shakuntala. She had starred in this play earlier, beside her sister Zarine (Soni Razdan) and Suhel (Sid Makkar). When Nazia tries to help a new actor, Ruby interferes. Old angers and family quarrels come tumbling out.
Playwright Mahesh Dattani has shown that he is brilliant at showcasing the dreams and dilemmas that people face, especially in the world of the theatre. Nazia is a former actress, who moves to India, after Partition, to follow her passion for theatre.
The play shows Nazia in different moods: sometimes, she is ambitious, and shrewd, at other times, she is consumed by her passion for her work. The show has talented actresses like Lillete, Soni Razdan, Neha Dubey, Sid Makkar and Priyanka Karunakaran.
The play will be staged at JT Pac on January 5, 7.30 pm. For reservations contact 9349528057, 9349528107 / www.jtpac.org.