Rita Bhatia on directing PURDAH

Madhura Chopda and Ranjita Chakravarty in WHERE DID I LEAVE MY PURDAH?

Beautiful, complex and multi-layered, Mahesh Dattani’s stunning piece of writing is a dream for any director.

Set against the backdrop of the partition and spanning four decades, this unique piece of work moves seamlessly between the past and the present of an actor’s life. Humorous and emotional in equal measure, this story awards us a glimpse into the life of the dynamic and passionate women of yesteryear. The trailblazers in pre and post independent India. Women who lived, loved and sacrificed all for their art. And on whose shoulders I stand on today.

Bringing this story to life, has been a privilege.

My attempt has been to present the characters in the play with subtlety and nuance, albeit in vibrant and bold visual terms. And I am proud to say that my actors are illuminating the text with such unbelievable brilliance and style, that you will be transported into a different world. I am certain you will enjoy the journey as we recount the gripping, heart-touching story of PURDAH and its main protagonist, the irrepressible, iconoclastic and passionate NAZIA Sahiba who’s essence is so succinctly captured in these words -

"Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, no matter how difficult, no matter how unfair, you will do more than simply survive. You will thrive in spite of it."

So do come out and cheer for us… I promise you won’t be disappointed. Can’t wait to see you all at the theatre!!💕

– Rita