The story of a legendary singer on stage

Inspired by Vikram Sampath’s book ‘My Names is Gauhar Jaan’, the play Gauhar traces the story of one of India’s first mass media superstar at the turn of the last century. One of the earliest women artists who seized the opportunity that came with the advent of recording technology, hers was the first Indian voice to be recorded in 1902. Gauhar lays bare her life with all its attendant myths, legends and folklore, some of which are recorded, as well as the times during which she lived and made exquisite music. Her independent lifestyle symbolizes the spirit of the women musicians of her time and her high-pitched and flirtatious announcement ‘My Name is Gauhar Jaan’ at the end of all her recordings epitomizes a milestone in the history of Indian classical music.
The play is written by Mahesh Dattani and directed by Lillete Dubey, while the performers are Rajeshwari Sachdev, Zila Khan, Denzil Smith, Anuj Gurwara, Danny Sura, Gillian Pinto and Parinaz Jal.
It is scheduled to take place on March 17 (7.30 pm) at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, 16th Cross, GD Park Extension, 2nd Main Road, Malleswaram.