Kabuliwala came-a-calling

“This was an effort to expose the children of the city to the best of literature and theatre,” said play director Ramesh Talwar. Talwar is also a member of Indian People’s Theatre Association which had staged the play for the first time in Mumbai. In the play,Mini and Rehmat part only to meet again. The magic of the relationship was beautifully brought to life.

The play was made evergreen by director Bimal Roy and it was her daughter Rinki Roy Bhattacharya who designed the set for the city performance. Actor Asif Sheikh played Rehmat,Raman Kumar essayed the role of Mini’s father,Nivedita Buanthiyal played Mini’s mother and Baby Gungun was perfect as little Mini. “I always wanted to be a part of Tagore’s works. Kabuliwala was an experience of a lifetime,” said Sheikh. “A play doubles the success rate with actors who fit the bill. I was lucky to find the right people,” added Talwar. Mehta is glad that the young audience loved the play. “The kids laughed with Mini and even disliked her when she failed to recognise Rehmat,” he said with a smile.