Manav Kaul. Pic/Courtesy/Instagram; (right) Ajitesh Gupta performs at  a previous show

Gupta offers some insight by saying, “Khusrau would write primarily in Persian during his early days as a poet. In an interaction that also features in the performance, the poet is asked by his guru whom he writes for, to which Khusrau promptly replies that it is the Divine. Auliya then guides him, remarking that true divinity is in the common folk of the country and it is only when it reaches them in a language they understand, can it ever reach the Divine.” The 12-member troupe will present many such interactions between the poet and Auliya through a performance in Hindi, Urdu and Persian that fuses dastangoi, qawwali music and traditional theatre.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

Gupta assures us that the experience is not reserved for connoisseurs of Sufi poetry alone, and will be an easy introduction to Sufism for all. “When we started, we were at square one and so, we understand that the complexities of the subject might be overwhelming. The presentation is simple, but not simplistic. We aim to bring to light the true essence of Khusrau’s ideology while keeping it interesting,” he concludes.

With Kaul, it reflects in his decision to make all his writings freely available for adaptations by experimental theatre makers. He shares, “I was approached by Gupta, my protégé and collaborator, with the idea. The draft of the script was enough to move me and I knew I had to give it the right platform. I am delighted to see a new generation of artistes showing interest in a subject like this.”  

ON December 8 and 9 
AT NCPA, Nariman Point; Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. 
LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com; insider.in 
COST Rs 500 onwards