Naseeruddin and Ratna play gets a standing ovation

On Tuesday evening, three stories written by feminist author Ismat Chughtai were brought to life on stage at a south Kolkata auditorium by Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Heeba Shah. Titled Ismat Apa ke Naam, the production marked the inaugural day of the ongoing Literary Meet.

Naseeruddin opened the show himself, with a short introduction of the performance that was to follow. Each of the three segments ended with rounds of applause.
The first play, Chhui Mui was narrated by Heeba, with the stage replicating a train compartment. The story shed light on the societal contrast of an upper class pregnant woman, named Bhabijaan, who’s travelling in the same train as a homeless, unmarried, expectant woman. Ratna Pathak Shah played the characters of Kale Miyaan and Gori Bi from Mughal Bachha, exploring events that led to their marriage never being consummated.
Naseeruddin graced the stage with Gharwali, breathing life into the characters of Mirza and his maid Laajo. The play traced the sexual tension, and the different incidents that create multiple highs and lows in their bond.