The Siddhus of Upper Juhu, a play directed by Rahul da Cunha and starring Rajit Kapur, is set to delight city folks

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Mona

“Theatre has been our first love and have always watched from the front row seats too,” professes veteran actor Rajit Kapur on behalf of the Rage Productions, which he runs with fellow actor Shernaz Patel and director Rahul da Cunha since 1992.

One of the top theatre companies in the country is all set for a date with the city. The Siddhus of Upper Juhu, a play directed by Rahul da Cunha, is to be staged in Chandigarh on Friday. The Tribune is the media partner for the play.

The 90-minute act stars Rajit Kapur, Shernaz Patel, Kajli Shrma, Meera Khurana and Prince Kanwal. The play is based on the life of Balvinder aka Bubbles Sidhu and his Parsi wife, Behroze. They live on the 14th floor of a typical modern Upper Juhu aka Andheri high-rise called Sea View Towers. While this two-and-a-half bedroom flat has cost them their life’s savings, it’s hardly worth it. Paper-thin walls and noisy neighbours’ private lives their constant companion, a flush that works only when jiggled, howling stray dogs and the stench of scattered garbage send them into a daze. Add to it, his professional life coming to a naught, Behroze decides to get back to work post the lengthy hiatus. It’s when the family from Ludhiana —brother Sunny Sandhu and sisters, Pammi and Shammi — join in to tide over the situation, which lead to hilarious consequences.

Lasting bond

While many actors beginning from theatre lose touch with the stage, what has made Kapur continue the bond? “The sheer joy of being on the stage pulls me back. All of us at Rage Productions are excited about performances, and hope to continue it for as long as we can,” says Kapur.

His bond with Rahul da Cunha is over three decades old. The Siddhus of Upper Juhu has been winning the love of the viewers not only in India, but also abroad, for over seven years. “We are glad to start the Punjab leg with Chandigarh. I am grateful to Atul Khanna and Durga Das Foundation for the space. While Tagore Theatre has history, there is excitement to perform in the new place.” Much in love with Chandigarh’s well-organised structure and cleanliness, Kapur is happy to be back after long. His fans would see him in the second outing of Rocket Boys, Mithya and couple of films in the times to come.

(The Siddhus of Upper Juhu is on at Strawberry Fields High School-26, Chandigarh, on July 29. Entry by invitation)