‘Sardaar Ji’: a storytelling performance

The Gujral Foundation is set to present JASHN-e-QALAM’s Sardaar Ji, a storytelling performance based on a seminal short story by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, on March 28 at National Gallery of Modern Art.

Performed by actor Vicky Ahuja, the 60-minute solo act revisits the emotional and political turbulence of India’s Partition in 1947. Through an evocative narrative, Sardaar Ji explores themes of prejudice, fear and humanity, set against a backdrop where neighbour turns against neighbour and suspicion becomes a way of life.

At the heart of the story lies a tense and symbolic encounter between a lone Muslim residing in a Hindu-majority area and his adversary, a Sikh man, as they await the historic moment of Independence. The performance unfolds as a reflection on harmony, brotherhood and peace.

Written nearly 75 years ago, the story continues to resonate as a cautionary commentary on ‘otherisation’, rumour-mongering and communalism, urging audiences to look beyond ingrained biases and prejudices.

Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, a Padma Shri awardee, was a prolific writer, journalist and filmmaker whose work spanned literature, cinema and social commentary. With dozens of books, short stories and films to his credit, he is regarded as a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, with landmark works such as Dharti Ke Lal and Neecha Nagar. His long-running column Last Page remains one of the most notable in Indian journalism.

Actor Vicky Ahuja, who has been associated with Jashn-e-Qalam since its inception, has performed works by prominent Hindi-Urdu writers including Mohan Rakesh, Harishankar Parsai and Premchand. With a background in theatre, he has worked in over 25 plays and appeared in films such as Veer Zaara, Raaz 2 and Firaaq, along with television projects.

When: March 28; 6:30 PM

Where: National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi