A 21-year-old play returns to the stage, presenting a fiery, feminist-oriented drama on postcolonial domestic life and one woman’s journey from innocence to an iron fist
Jayati Bhatia as Khatija seated in her chair. PICs COURTESY/QTP ENTERTAINMENT
When art resonates with audiences, it remains in demand even over a significant time period. This week, the play Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace, which first opened at the Prithvi Theatre Festival in November 2004, makes a comeback to the stage. Produced by QTP Entertainment, after its reopening in Mumbai, it will travel to Bengaluru and Pune later this month.
Actor Jayati Bhatia takes on the title role of Khatijabai, the feisty matriarch of the Karmali household. The story traces Khatija’s journey, beginning from her life as an orphan married off into the Karmali family, up till her self-establishment as the house head who rules the home from her rocking chair.
Jayati Bhatia as Khatija in a scene from the play
Bhatia has long been a familiar presence on Indian television, films, theatre and even OTT, notably in her roles in the TV shows Sasural Simar Ka, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Having played Khatija’s character from the play’s inception in 2004, she says, “[Khatija’s] story is still relevant and still fresh. Playing this character has been a truly rewarding experience where I have learnt from her, as well as consciously and subconsciously, inculcated her values in my life.” A memorable aspect of the play is how Khatija navigates the intricate maze of familial relations as she matures from a naive daughter-in-law to an older woman taking charge of household law and order.
Jayati Bhatia as Khatija onstage
The story has always placed a particular emphasis on power relations, whether it be between Khatija and her in-laws, and, as she ages, even with her eldest son. Bhatia has ensured her varying personality shades are brought out to the audience. The play features a profound monologue delivered by Khatija, encapsulating her struggles along the journey of her transformation, right before the story takes an interesting turn.
Quasar Thakore Padamsee, director, said, “We haven’t done too many runs of this play; [in 2004] it was unusual to tell this kind of story. Over the years, people who’ve watched it have, amusingly, returned to watch with their mothers, who found it very relatable. It has been received well.” He added, “It’s important that stories like this be told; they show a different kind of feminism to modern audiences, where women didn’t have as many opportunities, but still made a space of prestige for themselves.”
A moment from the play that first opened in 2004
Indeed, a key factor in the play’s two decade-long endurance and Khatija’s resonance with audiences has been its women-centric focus, and the relatability it offers for modern audiences — tradition in India commands authority. Like Khatija, audiences have been either on the receiving or giving end of its stronghold, or perhaps even both.
Quasar Thakore Padamsee
Padamsee adds, “[Khatija] is loosely based on my grandmother, whom I never really got to know closely. And working on this play has helped me better understand her as a matriarch and my roots, as well as Bombay of the 1950s. Sometime after the play’s opening in 2004, I remember Jayati telling me, ‘I want to continue playing the character of Khatija till the day I’m as old as Khatija herself’ -- I think that’s a testament to how enjoyable the play has been for us as well.”
On: September 10; September 11; 8 pm
At: Rangshila Theatre, 1st Floor, 72/A Ground Floor, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West.
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Entry: Rs 500
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