Theatre review: Javeda — A forbidden love story

Plot: Iman (Ahan Nirban) is looking for a flat to stay in Mumbai and happens to meet Aman (Aaryan Deshpande), who is the editor of a newspaper. They become flatmates, only to fall in love with each other. The conflict between love and religion is just one of the many odds they have to battle.

Review: Gorande Katira, who plays the role of Shabbo in the play, perhaps gets the best line when she says, “Mohabbat jism dekhke nahi, jazbaat dekh ke ki jaati hai” (you don’t fall in love with the body, but with the emotions). In this one line, she summarises what the play wants to convey — that love is beyond religion or gender.

The strength of ‘

Javeda — A forbidden love story

’ lies in such dialogues, which have been
peppered liberally throughout the show. But the plot, sadly, does not have anything fresh to offer. Set against the Bombay riots of 1992-93, Iman, a Muslim poet, finds love in journalist Aman, a Hindu. Initially, they are hesitant about their feelings, but eventually find it within themselves to be open about them. The riots end up separating them for a bit, but they do find a way to be together again, even if they are not the best of circumstances.

The narrative goes into the past and present multiple times and memories are relived. While this makes for an interesting device on paper, on stage, the timelines aren’t very clear. This only creates confusion in the audience’s minds. The background songs by themselves are beautiful and apt for the different occasions, but there are way too many unnecessary tracks.
Religion and homosexuality, the two main plot points, might be relevant in today’s times, but the story has nothing refreshing to add to them. The big reveal at the end does come as a shock but it’s too little, too late by then. However, all the four leads are young and earnest, giving their roles all they have. Ahan Nirban makes his Iman vulnerable and passionate. Aakash Soni, playing multiple roles, brings a smile with his various avatars. While the play ends with the positive message of love living on forever, it is not enough to make this love saga stand the test of time.

— Deepali Singh