Following its acclaimed performances across the United States, “Letters of Suresh” is poised to captivate Indian audiences as it premieres at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC) in Mumbai on May 9. The play, written by Rajiv Joseph, has been thoughtfully adapted for Indian theatergoers by the illustrious playwright and director Feroz Abbas Khan, a household name revered for majestic productions such as ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’, ‘Civilisation of Nation’, and ‘Death of a Salesman’. With “Letters of Suresh,” Khan delves into a new realm of theatrical intimacy, moving away from his trademark lavish productions.
In an exclusive conversation with mid-day.com, Khan spoke of the unique structure of the play, remarking, “It is a series of monologues apart from one direct conversation. It is essentially about four individuals deeply craving a connection.” He elaborates, “These individuals reveal their stories through letters, interweaving their lives in a poignant narrative about the human longing for connection.”
Khan’s approach in “Letters of Suresh” marks a departure from his previous ventures. This monologue-heavy play represents a distillation of theatre to its core elements where the actor’s performance and the power of the written word take center stage. As Khan reflects on his storied repertoire, which includes the iconic “Tumhari Amrita”—a minimalist yet transformative play consisting of two people reading letters—he emphasizes, “Performance, acting, and words are the most powerful components in theatre.”
With his directorial vision, Khan aims to demonstrate that the elemental simplicity of theatre can be as gripping as the most extravagant musical. “Letters of Suresh” champions the act of performance itself, with the actors not merely reading but living through the letters they present. It is this performative authenticity Khan associates with the play’s raw appeal and emotional depth.
When it came to assembling the cast for this Indian adaptation, Khan believed in an organic process, allowing the actors to naturally align with the vision of the play. The cast boasts a talented all-India ensemble including Vir Hirani, son of acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, and Palomi Ghosh, a versatile performer known for her work in films and OTT platforms. Complementing them are Harssh Singh, with whom Khan has previously worked, and Radhika Sawhney, who was found to be a perfect fit for her role.
Describing the casting experience, Khan revealed, “It began with Palomi Ghosh reaching out with an interest to work together.” The chain of events continued favorably with Vir Hirani expressing his eagerness to collaborate with Khan, who upon reflection realized Hirani was an impeccable fit for the play. Following auditions, it was evident that Hirani embodied the essence of the character.
Bringing actors with whom he shares a history, alongside fresh faces, Khan crafted a cast that resonates with the heartbeat of the play—each actor piecing together the complex emotional jigsaw that “Letters of Suresh” presents.
Audiences in Mumbai can expect a theatre experience that bridges personal narratives and the universal search for connections. “Letters of Suresh” is not merely a play; it is a vault for emotions and untold stories, delivered through the intimate lens of four lives converging on stage. This narrative odyssey will be showcased from May 9 through May 12 at the NMACC, igniting emotions and unveiling the kaleidoscope of human experiences.
Feroz Abbas Khan’s newest theatrical foray promises a profound journey into the essence of communication and the unspoken threads that bind humanity. “Letters of Suresh” stands as a testament to the enduring power of the written word and the undeniable brilliance of minimalist storytelling.
