Language: Hindi   

For Ages: 12 and above

At the AMI Arts Festival 2025, Kolkata Centre for Creativity is honored to present Lafzon Ki Gathri, an anthology of plays directed by Seema Bhargava Pahwa and produced by Manukriti Pahwa. 

Lafzon ki Gathri- A Bundle of Words- is a dramatic medley that brings to life three timeless Hindi short stories, exploring the colourful mosaic of human emotions, tracing the ebbs and flows of human connection through deeply touching stories. Featuring power-packed performances by Ratna Pathak Shah, Seema Bhargava Pahwa, Manukriti Pahwa, Anubha Fatehpuria, and others, the production adapts the works of literary legends Munshi Premchand, Mannu Bhandari, and Bhisham Sahni. Woven with womanhood, memory, and meaning, it is an ode to language and a celebration of voices that continue to shape our collective imagination. Each story, though rooted in its own time, speaks the universal language of longing, vulnerability, and hopes.  

Through the 90-minute productions, Seema and Manukriti Pahwa invite you on a journey through the ebbs and flows of human connections and the quiet profundity of everyday stories.  

Seema Bhargava Pahwa is an acclaimed Indian actress and director known for her remarkable body of work in television, films, and theatre. A theatre veteran, she has directed and acted in numerous productions, especially adapting Bhisham Sahni’s stories in Yaadein and experiential pieces like Saag Meat. She rose to fame as Badki in the iconic TV serial Hum Log (1980), and in Bollywood, her powerful and versatile performances in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bareilly ki Barfi, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, and Gangubai Kathiawadi are truly phenomenal. Her directorial debut, Ramprasad ki Terhvi (2021) has also earned critical acclaim for its honest and authentic storytelling. 

Manukriti Pahwa is an Indian actress and theatre artist famous for her compelling performances in both stage and screen. Her performance in Sui Dhaaga (2018) and Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi (2019) have earned praise from critics and audience alike. She made her debut in a leading role in Ye Mard Bechara (2021) which addresses the issues of gender equality and toxic masculinity. Beyond acting, Manukriti is a founder and partner of Kopal Productions, developing theatre and film productions for socially relevant narratives. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE 

Lafzon ki Gathri offers a theatrical medley honoring three celebrated Hindi short stories, exploring the themes of womanhood, memory, and the fragile beauty of human connections. Directed by Seema Bhargava Pahwa and produced by Manukriti Pahwa, this 90-minute production includes theatrical adaptations of stories written by stalwarts of Hindi literature: Munshi Premchand, Mannu Bhandari, and Bhisham Sahni, brought alive by an exceptionally talented ensemble cast. 

A bouquet of plays, Lafzon ki Gathri features phenomenal performances by Ratna Pathak Shah, Seema Bhargava Pahwa, Manukriti Pahwa, Anubha Fatehpuria, and others.