DUBAI — Acclaimed Indian television star, Annu Kapoor, better known as the host of the subcontinent's longest running musical television programme Antakshari, is coming to Dubai this September to perform in a play.
Set in the times of the partition of India, Jisnay Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamya Hi Nahi, is a celebrated creation of playwright Ashgher Wajahat, and depicts the resilience of human spirit against the spectre of hate mongering and divisive communal forces. The play integrates the culture of Lahore and Lucknow which while not being very similar on the surface are interconnected in their essence.
The widely acclaimed show has been staged, apart from its original Punjabi-Urdu version, in several Indian languages, in India, Pakistan and the United States. In Dubai the play will be staged on September 16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Neha Singh of Leo Art said that so far only one show has been finalised, but added that the organisers are open to the idea of staging the show every two months if the demand was there.
“Apart from the shows in Dubai, we are also planning to take the play to Bahrain, Oman and Qatar,” she said.
According to Neha, the objective behind bringing the show to Dubai is to further strengthen the relations between the expatriate communities from the two countries.
The choice of Annu Kapoor, who will be performing in a play for the first time in Dubai, was obvious given his patriotism, knowledge of culture and Urdu poetry, and his interest in normalising Indo-Pak relations, she said.
“He knew the play. In fact his brother had directed it in the past. So when I approached him with the script, I didn't have to explain anything,” she added.
The multi-talented actor from Bhopal has worked with some of the best directors in the industry and has also tried his hand at film-making with his film for children Abhay, which won an award. It was Antakshari that shot him to fame over a decade ago. A game-show which started off with Zee has run for 12 years non-stop. Over these years, the show has had four hostesses, but Annu has continued to hold centrestage making it a highly rated. He also hosts the popular talent-hunt Meri Awaz Suno on Star Plus; and now with Iss Duniya Ke Sitarey, a chat show, Yo Mamaji, a sitcom, and an as-yet untitled film by Priyadarshan, the artiste is on a career roll.