But Ludhianvi was re-introduced to a whole new generation during the anti CAA student protests that erupted in 2019, when his poem Avaaz-e-Adam went viral, with its unforgettable line, “Hum bhi dekhenge”.

Sahir Ludhianvi

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Husain has painstakingly combined two works by different writers who have, in their unique way, given a hat-tip to Ludhianvi. This was Mir Alli Hussain’s script that he had initially written for Amita Talwar, founder of the not-for-profit Art for Causes and Himanshu Bajpai’s presentation Dastan-e-Sahir. “The writers gave me the freedom to do with their work as I may please, for which I will remain ever-grateful,” says Husain.

This has resulted in a two-hour honest account about Ludhianvi, by those who were at the receiving end of the poet’s love as well as his wrath. This dichotomy in Ludhianvi’s character is “essential” for a good autobiography, says Husain. “Any good autobiography needs to have the good and bad of the subject. Ludhianvi, for example, was known to go the extra mile for the ones who he loved or held in good stead. For those who he didn’t, he was snooty and brutally rude,” explained Hussain. “We have tried to present these conflicting experiences of Ludhianvi which is why people have been coming back and asking for the second production of the play,” he adds.

The first production of the play took place back in September when Husain’s theatre group Hoshruba Repertory was celebrating its 11th anniversary.   

The play is presented visually in the format of the past and the present. On one side of the stage, we see poets, lyricists, actors, and musicians, all engaging in a conversation and their version of Ludhianvi. While on the other side, we see Ludhianvi himself, played by Husain, whose monologue cuts through the perceptions about him. “On one side we have a bethak of people sitting in a recording studio, talking about a song or couple that Ludhianvi has written and when inspiration strikes a jugalbandi between them is recorded,” says Husain.

WHAT: Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon 
WHERE: NCPA, Tata Theatre
WHEN: April 20, 7 PM to 9 PM
COST: Rs 270 onwards 
To book: ncpamumbai.com