On the Record: Look Who’s Talking

A soldier, a real-estate broker, an American Desi and a Nobody have a direct chat with audiences about their experiences in the play One on One-Part Two.

talk, theatre, play, Anu Menon, Meil Bhoopalam, Ranjit Kapur, Mahatma Gandhi, The Making of Mahatma Gandhi, indian express

Rajit Kapur

He has been Mahatma Gandhi (The Making of the Mahatma) and Byomkesh Bakshi. Now, Rajit Kapur tells the story of Vishal Modi, a man who has turned into ash in an urn and an entry in a file. Titled Nobody, it is among a series of 10 monologues that make up the play One on One-Part Two. The play follows a previous production titled One on One and will be presented by Showhouse in Delhi on Sunday. Kapur, who will join a stellar cast comprising Anu Menon, Neil Bhoopalam, Sumeet Vyas, Shikha Talsania, Zafar Karachiwala and Gopal Datt, talks about the production.

Why did you limit your stories to bite-sized plays?
We have always been fond of the 15-20-minute monologues. We did it four-five years ago (One on One) and it went well. It gives a chance for writers to create short pieces instead of full-length productions. A short story or a slice of life can be included. It also allows different writers, actors and directors to come together in one production, so it brings the theatre community together.

What is the range of stories you’ve included in the play?
We have a bride who is apprehensive about her ‘right’ partner (Dulhaniya); a ticket collector who is frustrated about what is right and wrong (TC Rasbihari), and the story of love on the border from the point of view of an army jawan (Majnu). There is also a broker in Mumbai who is showing clients around and remembers his city and his past. These people and stories surround us in our day-to-day-lives.

Which character do you play?
I am in Nobody, in which a patient attends a funeral. It takes a look at the bureaucratic system. What happens before a body can be brought in? There are rules and rules but do we forget compassion totally?

Have you directed any of the plays?
I have directed two plays. TC Rasbihari has been slapped and the play is about what happens next. Game, Set(ing) and Match is about an American Desi boy who has to meet a prospective bride but he is far more interested in the investment possibilities in the country.

It’s been several years since One on One. How is the response to the new series?
It has been such that people want us to do One on One-Part Three. And I tell them that we’ve only just opened on August 1.

The play will be presented at Siri Fort on August 23

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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