New Delhi: Arpita Chatterjee’s play, My Name Is Jaan, debuted in Mumbai on 25 October 2024. Directed by Abanti Chakraborty, the 1-hour-40-minute musical tells the story of Gauhar Jaan, the pioneering artist who recorded India’s first gramophone record. With choreography by Raktim Goswami, the play blends Bengali, Hindi, and English, staying true to its roots while reaching a global audience. Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, attending as the chief guest, praised Arpita’s powerful performance and the play’s evocative tribute to Gauhar’s life and legacy.
Reflecting on his own memories of the theatre, he said, “Arpita ji did an outstanding job. I have many memories with this theatre, as I got my first job here back in 1981, 43 years ago. Walking into this theatre brought back nostalgia, but Arpita made it even more beautiful with her exceptional performance. From the theatre, direction, and art design perspectives, everything was perfect, and her acting was outstanding. I genuinely feel that theatre humbles you, which is why I keep coming back. Gauhar Jaan’s story has been presented beautifully by a highly talented artist. A solo play is very challenging for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Hats off to you. Fantastic, bravo! Every theatre lover must see this show.”
Arpita Chatterjee reflects on her theatre journey
Arpita, overwhelmed by Kher’s appreciation, shared, “I am speechless in front of Anupam ji. It’s hard to believe he appreciated my work, but it’s so motivational.”
She further elaborated on the challenges of her role, describing the demands of a solo performance that included not just acting but singing, often simultaneously.
“It’s a lot to carry on your own, especially with no other characters on stage,” Arpita explained. “It’s not just dialogues—there are songs as well, and not just any songs. These are authentic Gauhar Jaan pieces, covering Hindustani classical styles like thumri, dhrupad, and more, in multiple languages. Balancing singing and acting simultaneously is very challenging. You can find yourself breathless, covering the large stage while managing both singing and dialogue delivery. But performing this role has been an incredible journey, and the appreciation from the audience drives me to keep getting better.”
She added her thoughts on the unique quality of theatre: “One of the beautiful things about theatre is that it’s always evolving. Unlike film, which is static once shot, every theatre performance offers a chance to improve and try new things. Each show can be better than the last, and that is something I aim for. This play has taken the hard work of so many people, over months and years, and it’s complete only when the audience shares in it. So please come, bring friends and family. We have shows lined up across India and even internationally.”
For those who couldn’t catch the musical play on 25 October, here’s your chance! Don’t miss out on the performance taking place tomorrow, 27 October. Book your tickets here.
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