It's a poet's life

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi return with their celebrated play, Kaifi Aur Main that chronicles the life and times of Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi and wife Shaukat

How many poets in the world, let alone in India, can boast of a state highway and a train named after them?

For a lifetime spent working for society, there could perhaps be no better honour for Padma Shri Kaifi Azmi.

Urdu poet, trade unionist, cultural and social activist, theatre practitioner - some of many tags the late Azmi carried lightly on his shoulder. Through Kaifi Aur Main, his daughter-actress Shabana Azmi and writer husband Javed Akhtar, bring the poet's journey to stage.

Written by Akhtar, the play draws heavily from Shaukat's book of memoirs, Yaad Ki Rehguzar. "When we first read the book and worked on a small portion, we realised it would click with the audience. We have expanded it into a full-length play that includes Kaifi sahab and Shaukat bhabhi's love story and his involvement with society," says director Ramesh Talwar.

Talwar considers the play that premiered in 2006 on Azmi's fourth death anniversary, one of the finest productions by the group. "Both, Shabana and Javed have a great command over the language. Their reading is intersperced with Jaswinder's (Singh) songs, which makes it a great experience," he says.
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On: May 9, 6 pm and 9 pm at Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Vile Parle (W).
Call: 26149546
Tickets: Rs 300