This is an archive article published on June 16, 2022

Theatre director Atul Kumar’s new production, Aaeen, focusses on the most important book in India – the Constitution

Aaeen, which was commissioned by CLPR, is an artistic effort to generate conversations around the most important —and least understood — book in India

4 min readPuneJun 16, 2022 11:30 AM IST

Aaeen, Aaeen Atul Kumar, Atul Kumar theatre

A scene from Aaeen.(Photo: The Company Theatre)

When Mumbai-based theatre director Atul Kumar and his group were researching for their new play, Aaeen, based on the Indian Constitution, they asked people they knew, of all ages, what the word “Constitution” meant to them. Few had a clear idea about it. “We understood two things. Firstly, in spite of its complicated language, issues of accessibility and loopholes, such as not doing justice to the people of Northeast, Kashmir or the Muslim questions, the Constitution manages, to a great extent, to bring the people of India together and gives them equal opportunity,” says Kumar. “Secondly, there are agencies such as the Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR) in Bengaluru that are working hard to reach the spirit of the Constitution and its various interpretations to the people, especially students,” he adds.

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Aaeen, which was commissioned by CLPR, is an artistic effort to generate conversations around the most important —and least understood — book in India. After packed shows in Bengaluru and Mumbai, it will be staged at The Box, a theatre in Pune, on June 17 and 18. The play comprises stories by five politically conscious writers, Lawai BemBem, Amitosh Nagpal, Purva Naresh, Sarah Mariam and Varun Grover. They highlight issues such as the dynamics and politics in the room where the Constitution is being made (Move: Remove); the fantasy of a chaat-pakoda vendor called Raj who wants to set up his own country (Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar); a strange baraat of a dulha that nobody has seen (Aaj Shahni Hai Raat) and the fear of two people who are guarding a field at night from a mythical animal (Pashu). Grover, a standup comedian who had composed the viral poem Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge during the CAA protests, has penned the story, titled Desh Drohi Akshar, about a standup who is in jail after telling a joke. It deals with the misuse of the sedition laws.

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The play comprises stories by five politically conscious writers, Lawai BemBem, Amitosh Nagpal, Purva Naresh, Sarah Mariam and Varun Grover. (Photo: The Company Theatre)

Did the creators of the play feel a threat to their freedom of expression? “I had no choice but to tread the ground carefully. We all know what threat artists, writers, thinkers, journalists and philosophers can be to ‘absolute rule’. While I must fight, I need to protect myself and others who make and see art. We need to survive to continue the fight. Freedom of expression need not only be given, it also has to be reclaimed every moment,” says Kumar. He adds that, after the recent shows, when audience members came to them to say they had been very brave, “it felt like a threat again but we are still breathing”.

Kumar, in his forties, has spent most of his life on stage. He is famous for Piya Behrupiya (2012), a rambunctious adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night that has won several awards and traveled widely, but theatre regulars know him also for constantly pushing the envelope as an artist such as in the lyrical Khwaab Sa (2017), for which he collaborated with contemporary dancers. Kumar has acted in Rajat Kapoor’s play, Hamlet — The Clown Prince (2011) as well as in This Is All There Is When There Is All This (2018) whose narrative delves into the theme of “orchestrated chaos”.

He brings musical comedy, dance, comedy and interactions into Aaeen. “It is through music, dance, frolic and easy communication that we wanted to bring certain aspects of Aaeen’s making, history and its role in our present life to the fore. Most of it is, obviously, satire by our writers. The actors play on that. This device helped us find a space with our audience that is trusting. In that space, we place our political thought that is, then, easily, received,” he says.

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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

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