23 October,2009 11:06 AM IST | | Aastha Atray Banan
Writer- director Nadira Babbar's one-woman show, Sakubai, pays tribute to the quintessential Maharashtrian bai
A good bai is hard to find, a professional working woman is sure to tell you. And when you do find one, never, ever let her go. Because even though we may not know it, or don't want to admit it, our maids make our lives so much easier, in more ways than one. Director and writer Nadira Babbar has no qualms in accepting how important all her maids have been to her since she landed in Mumbai almost 30 years ago. In fact her play, Sakubai, which debuted in 1999, is dedicated to all those house maids who she can't help but admire.
"All of mom's plays are based on some personal and emotional experience. This play has stemmed out of her interactions with her bais through the years. And though she uses instances from their lives in the play Sakubai gets raped by her maternal uncle u2014 she has not even told me which bai did she get that information from. She is truly attached to these women," says Juhi Babbar from theatre group Ekjute.
The story follows Sakubai, who faces one jolt after another in her difficult life. After her husband admits that he had an affair with the neighbour's wife, she is also faced with his death as he is diagnosed with AIDS. But Sakubai doesn't give up, and tells the audience the story of her life in a light, jesting manner, always hoping for the best. Theatre and TV actress Sarita Joshi, who enacts the one-woman play, says she's extremely proud that she was chosen to portray Sakubai. "I have been playing the character for nine years now. I have aged since then, and it's tiring for me to keep up the energy levels all through the show, but when I see the audience enjoying themselves, it makes my day," she says. The play ends on a positive note when Sakubai's daughter tops the SSC exams. How's that for deliverance?
Catch Sakubai at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, tonight at 9 pm.
Call: 26149546.
Tickets: Rs 150
