‘The world needs a Kabir’

MK Raina on bringing back Kabira Khada Bazar Mein, an old play on faith for a new age of fanatics.

During rehearsal, an arts organisation that is presenting the show, Raina is surrounded by young actors who are trying to get their dohas in rhythm.

Saints have preached of love and tolerance, but rarely is a mystic seen as a protestor. In his dohas, Kabir explained complex philosophical thought to the masses, the harmony of his words rarely revealing that the 14-15th century poet-saint was also a fearless fighter, opposing the high priests of temples and mosques. Playwright Bhisham Sahni illustrated the combat between Kabir and the mullahs and Brahmins of Varanasi in Kabira Khada Bazar Mein and Kabira Khada Bazar Meinstaged it in May 1982, generating a buzz that brought in audiences for the next 10 years as well as a request for a private show by then prime minister Indira Gandhi. Delhi-based Raina is reviving the play to mark Sahni’s birth centenary this year and also because “the world needs a Kabir today”.

During rehearsal at Sahmat, an arts organisation that is presenting the show, Raina is surrounded by young actors who are trying to get their dohas in rhythm. He plays the cymbals and launches into Na mein dharmi na adharmi (Neither am I a believer nor an unbeliever) and the cast follows, some frowning with their eyes shut, others striking the air to keep beat. “This doha is from Kabir’s protest phase. Later, he would speak of the supremacy of love. The third phase was when he talked of the need to realise that god is inside you, that Is ghat antar bag bageeche or within you is the universe,” says Raina. The play has around 15 musical renditions of dohas.

The plot begins with almost everybody complaining about Kabir. His father calls him wayward, the local kotwal calls him crazy and the priests of the temple and mosque unite to call for “something to be done about him”. Around them, the rigid Hindu social order is up against the Muslim political order led by Sikandar Lodhi, the ruler of Delhi. Kabira Khada Bazar Mein touches these raw nerve endings making the play, set 600 years ago, a metaphor for present times.

[related-post]

Raina had first heard of the play as theatre gossip. “Somebody said that Bhisham Sahni had written a play and (eminent director) BV Karanth had rejected it. I put my friend on the job to get the script. When it was in my hands and I read it, I took a six-month sabbatical to study everything written on Kabir,” he says. Kabira Khada Bazar Mein was staged at the amphitheatre of Triveni Kala Sangam when summer evenings were still balmy and audiences would bring cushions for comfort.

NSD graduate Rakesh Kumar Singh, who plays the title role now, was in junior school at the time. His approach to Kabir is contemporary and physical. “I researched and found a stamp that the Government of India had issued in the 1950s, showing Kabir wearing a garland of Tulsi beads, a band on his head and peacock feathers. I read and learnt that Kabir liked dressing up; when he went to meet Sikandar Lodhi, he wore peacock feathers on his head. Only when I got his physical aspects did I begin to internalise him as the man who preached inclusiveness,” says Singh, a former IPTA artiste from Lucknow.

The play will be staged at Shri Ram Centre on April 14 at 6.30 pm.

Entry: Free.

Contact: 23381276/ 23070787

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.