A still from Mummy! Tu Aavi Kevi

While English theatre took the virtual leap early on in March, Shah tells us that this showcase highlights diverse roots of the Gujarati language itself. "If there's one thing I've discovered in over 40 years in this industry, it's that theatre has its own language. I don't make actors speak Gujarati in the traditional sense; there's a variety of dialects. For instance, in Mareez, you get to hear Bohri Gujarati which is similar to Parsi Gujarati. Plus, there's a bit of Manto in this play so Urdu comes in and you get to see the fusion of language. Then, I also allow my actors to speak in Surati or Kathiawari," Shah shares.

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A still from Mareez

Drawing from the name of Shah's physical festivals, the online initiative is titled Ooncha Mailo Parogram which means "top class programme". The director tells us that this emanates from the fact that his plays are exclusive — in contrast to other Gujarati productions or "sold-out shows" on the Sunday circuit. "My shows are an experience. They are not just for entertainment but enlightenment. It stimulates your ideology and belief. And much like in the spirit of the Sanskrit term 'satsang', you get to engage in dialogue after that," he says. And that's why his plays have a long shelf life — Master Phulmani has been running since 1998.

Manoj Shah

Viewing the online medium as a necessity more than a means to reach a wider audience, Shah doesn't intend to work on a play themed around the pandemic as current happenings have never been his inspiration. He is, however, working on three plays including one on Steve Jobs and another themed on suicides among young people. This showcase still remains a fantastic opportunity for him to connect with his audience as "people are always looking to be together; they are waiting to clap, laugh and cry together." Shah encapsulates this endeavour by echoing a popular Gujarati adage 'gamta no kariye gulal'. "It says, 'let's share with others what's close to our hearts.' So, this is like some really fine wine that I have and wish to share."

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