A Very Simple Story: A Russian Melodrama at NSD through Surtitling

Now coming to the play, A Very Simple Story is not that simple. Even the props on the stage appears to be simple but in real it's not, since it's should be crafted in such a way to handle the weight of 2-3 actors, since then and now, they would ascend on it to escape from family members. The whole set up appears a space in rural area. There is a large box from where characters will take out props now and then and sometimes, hide in them as well.

Premchand’s Legacy: A Visit to his Village ‘Lamhi’ in Varanasi

Simple living, high thinking– the statement is justified when you peep into the life of a writer! As I delve into my memory of school days, I remember delivering a speech on the birth anniversary of Munshi Premchand. Since I used to practice several times, some lines, though in fragments, had been etched in my … Continue reading Premchand’s Legacy: A Visit to his Village ‘Lamhi’ in Varanasi →

Crossfade-Episode 2: Asides-You Know but They Shouldn’t

The etymology of the word 'Aside' dates back to the 14th century, Middle English, meaning 'one side' or 'to the side.' It was popularised by the 15th-century Elizabethan dramatists in the Renaissance period, who used it to share comments, expressions, secrets, and humorous and witty remarks directly to the audience without involving the characters on the stage.

The Significance of Maila Aanchal in Portrayal of India’s Concern during Independence

What is the single most remarkable aspect of the novel, Maila Aanchal? My immediate reply would be the usage of language. Like English, we Indians do speak Hindi differently, wrapped in dialects that vary across regions. There are more than 48 dialects of Hindi alone, practised across different parts of India. It is said that Language and culture change in India every 12 miles.

The ‘Lost’ Card and ‘Changed’ Greetings

It's the penultimate day of December. I am sitting with some stationery and a couple of greeting cards from last year. I may not get time on the 31st due to the various plans and games, hence, lets do it before. The excitement is at its peak. I am waiting eagerly for the Jan 1st morning rays of the Sun.

Sabarmati Ashram: The Place where Gandhi Ji Feels Alive

Sabarmati Ashram is located on the bank of the river Narmada. After passing through the gate (no entry fee to my surprise), I could see the children navigating through the maps. The place was well-managed and moderately crowded.

Roorkee to Saharanpur: A Day at IITR SRE Campus

College campuses stand testimony to the fact that great minds evolve within the walls of the classroom. "What's in here to be seen?" she asked the day I planned my visit to the SRE campus. "I create my own kind of joy in the places I visit," I replied, "The perk is that you're there, … Continue reading Roorkee to Saharanpur: A Day at IITR SRE Campus →

Five Friends in Search of an Adventure

The dream is the (disguised) fulfillment of a (suppressed, repressed) wish. ― Sigmund Freud I was home during the two-month semester-end break after securing admission to a college. My old pals Rahul, Golu, Suman and Shubham joined soon after completing their semester exams. We would spend the day inside our respective homes, meet in the evening, … Continue reading Five Friends in Search of an Adventure →

Play Review: Ghalib in Delhi

'Any play is a dynamic entity'–aptly gets reflected in the play Ghalib in Delhi! I came across the play Ghalib in Delhi multiple times when I started my theatre-hopping journey back in 2022, until I finally watched it on October 4, 2025. It is interesting to note that I watched the first commercial play, Big … Continue reading Play Review: Ghalib in Delhi →

Reflections on Hindi Diwas

I often visit my village whenever I am home. I meet and greet several elderly people (because they're the only ones left). The remarkable thing is that my language involuntarily turns to Magahi, the dialect spoken in parts of Bihar and Jharkhand.