CHALTE CHALTE with Meena Kumari: A Musical Dance Drama Celebrating the Tragedy Queen's Love for Urdu
April 1, 2026 19:22:35 IST MTG editorial
CHALTE CHALTE with Meena Kumari is the latest theatrical offering by Bazm-e Urdu and Pierrot’s Troupe, bringing alive the legacy of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic personalities - Meena Kumari.
This unique production is not just a play, but a musical 'Dance Drama' that beautifully explores the duality of Meena Kumari’s life - the "one and only" star adored by millions, and the "one and lonely" soul navigating love, loss, and poetry.
The performance revisits her life, times, artistic brilliance, and emotional depth, with a special focus on her profound love affair with the Urdu language. For the first time on stage, audiences experience live renditions of the ghazals and nazms penned by Meena Kumari herself, adding authenticity and emotional resonance to the narrative.
The play also captures her glamorous yet tragic journey through mesmerizing Kathak performances, transforming her story into a visual and emotional spectacle. The choreography seamlessly blends classical dance with storytelling, reflecting the layered personality of the legendary actress - a tragedy queen, a sensitive shayera, and a deeply complex human being.
The production features a powerful ensemble of performers:
• Anju Chaabra, a seasoned actress from Delhi, portraying Meena Kumari with depth and grace • Mehran Shah, whose soulful voice brings her poetry alive • Astha Gupta, delivering expressive and captivating dance sequences
Conceptualised by Rehan Khan, a Canada-based scholar and activist, the play is written and directed by Dr M Sayeed Alam, known for his distinctive style spanning humorous, historical, and thought-provoking theatre.
Produced by Bazm-e Urdu, Dubai - an organization dedicated to promoting Urdu through global performances - along with Pierrot's Troupe, which has enriched Indian theatre for over 35 years with original and engaging productions, CHALTE CHALTE with Meena Kumari stands as a tribute to artistic excellence.
Having already been performed across Dubai, Delhi, and Bhopal over the past two years, the play has successfully completed six shows, receiving appreciation for its innovative format and emotional storytelling.
*Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.
