Shaista Fatima/New Delhi

As the restrictions are further eased, New Delhi's India International Centre saw its first live theatre performance after the curtailling of Covid-19 second wave.

Nationally and Internationally acclaimed Delhi based theatre group Pierrot Troupe graced the stage with its Ghalib Aur Calcutta Mushaira.

Based upon a true event that states Ghalib traveling to Calcutta, staying there for two years and holding a Mushaira, this play tries to showcase that aspect of the poet's life. 

The play is written and directed by Dr. M Sayeed Alam who is also known for his magnum opus Ghalib in New Delhi- a play with 500+ shows to his credit.

Dr.M.Sayeed Alam getting the stage ready before the performance

He says "This is a not so rosy chapter of Ghalib's life, who otherwise known for his command over poetry, was rather questioned in Calcutta..."

The name of Ghalib is often resonated with New Delhi and the time he spend here but not many are aware of his struggles and trolling that happened when he travelled to Calcutta to settle some scores.

Ghalib Aur Calcutta as staged by Pierrot's Troupe

Dr. Alam adds, "Ghalib's knowledge of Persian language was questioned in Calcutta, he went there for personal reasons but suffered a lot.."

These unprecedented times saw curbs on many professions and theatres is one of them.

In frame from left to right Sanket, Prince, Sumit, Ankit, Franco, Ankush and Dr. M Sayeed Alam

According to Dr.Alam many of the theatre artists have travelled back to their native lands, "We are the privileged few who are performing due to our roots in Delhi.."

Though Pierrot's Troupe had travelled last week to Bareilly for a performance and has a handful of plays lined up in the month of September, is waiting eagerly for the uncapping of 50% from the theatres in Delhi.

10th foundation day of Jashn-e-Adab

"We request the government to allow us cost effective performances, with the 50% capping there isn't any profit left for us..." Dr. Alam adds.

The ease in restrictions in sync with October approaching has tantamounted anticipations and prayers all together.

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Jashn-e-Adab, a society for poetry and literature which has been established in 2012 to promote and preserve the literary heritage of Hindi and Urdu language, celebrated its 10th foundation day today. 

The cast of Ghalib aur Calcutta included Sayeed Alam, Rahul, Sanket, Ankit, Franco, Sumit, Sundeep Pahwa, Prince Kumar and others in poignant roles.