A Pakistani brings an Indian play to Singapore


A Pakistani brings an Indian play to Singapore
The larger-than-life expat Punjabi aunty, Mrs. Khanna

In the year of Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary, Mahesh Bhatt’s Hindustani adaptation of ‘Two gentlemen of Verona’ brings Indians and Pakistanis together

Between reality and illusion: Sri Sri Sri Baba Marley and his followers

Between reality and illusion: Sri Sri Sri Baba Marley and his followers

A Pakistani entrepreneur in Singapore, Azzah Waseem, has taken the unique initiative of bringing an Indian play by veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt for Indian and Pakistani theatre lovers of the city-state, reports  the Indian Diaspora.

According to the report, Waseem loved the 75-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s play ‘Two gentlemen of

A scene from Mahesh Bhatt's imaginative adaptation

A scene from Mahesh Bhatt’s imaginative adaptation

Verona’, presented in Hindustani as ‘Do Deewane Shaher Mein (DDSM) and wanted to make it available to Singapore residents who understand Hindi and Urdu.

The talented cast of this production, termed as “brilliant”,  includes film actress Zoa Morani and Bhatt’s protege Imran Zahid and other young talent. The production appeals to  both the youth as well as family audiences.

Aunty and her hide-and-seek games.  Photos: courtesy Rohit Khaitan

Aunty and her hide-and-seek games. Photos: Rohit Khaitan / Moonlight Films andTheatre Society

The adaption was conceived with the idea of paying homage to William Shakespeare on his 400th death anniversary this year. The show opened to a full house at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on April 23 followed by successful show runs in various cities and institutions across India, reports Indian Diaspora.

The show opens in Singapore on Sunday, August 28 at the prestigious Jubilee Hall at the iconic Raffles Hotel at 7 pm.

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