Play
” Life changes you or you change your life” is a question of our existence. Everyone knows about Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the famous actor. He exists but where he was? He was therein Mumbai. He is an inspiration for many. He is not just a name anymore. He is a metaphor, an icon. But it took bloody 17 years. There are many actors whocan be the next Nawaz. Mumbai, the city of dreams is full of such actors who did not get that one chance, and those who arestill waiting for that one chance are commonly known as ‘strugglers.’ But what is theactual journey? Let us experience their journey. A journey of human emotions,ethics, and existence. Bloody Bombay is an amalgam of Stories of struggle, survival, and success.
Director
Happy Ranajit is an alumnus of the National School of Drama 2008 batch. He has acted in more than 60 plays with many eminent national and international directors. He gained critical acclaim for his performance as Eilert Lovberg in the play Hedda Gablerstaged in Ibsen festival 2009. He received the best actor award at the Mahindra theatre awards festival 2010 for hisperformance in the play Roop Aroop. He also won the best actor award at theinternational GATS theatre festival for the play Richard III at Beijing, China. He hasreceived the Bismillah khan YuvaPuraskarbestowed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for acting, 2012. He has performed as an actor in many internationalfestivals like ‘India by the Niles,’ Egypt;‘Namaste Russia,’ Moscow;‘Rafi Peer’ theatrefestival; Pakistan and others. He was a part of Kingdom of Dreams Gurgaon’s extravaganza, Zangoora, of which he did more than thousand shows. Happy has directed more than 20 plays such as Bloody Bombay, Blue Whale Saffron Sand,Gang of Girls, Love Ka Overdose, Genuine Liars, A straight Proposal, Wizard ofNumbers, Familiar Strangers, The Old Man and the Sea, Cigarettes, Six Characters inSearch of Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliette,and many others. He has written several plays like Familiar Strangers, Moth******Er, Wizard of Numbers, Genuine Liars,Love Ka Overdose, Ward No. 30, Bhagyashree Ka MMS Dekha Kya, and his written play Straight Proposalwas staged in the BRM andMETAfestivals in 2015. He wrote and directed the play Humari Adhuri Kahaniwhich was produced by film director Mahesh Bhatt. Happy regularly conducts theatre and acting workshops and teaches at several institutions, notably, the NSD.
Director’s Note
Bloody Bombayaims to shine a light on the stark contrast between the dazzling facade of one of the world’s most vibrant cities and the shadowy struggles faced by its countless dreamers. In a city celebrated for its glamour, opportunities, and glittering promises, the harsh reality for many is one of relentless hardship, anonymity, and unfulfilled dreams.Our production delves into the lives of the millions who flock to Bombay in search of success, only to grapple with a reality far removed from the glitz. While only a few emerge victorious, the majority remain in the margins, their stories often untold and their sacrifices unnoticed. Through this play, we seek to give voice to those whose struggles and aspirations are obscured by the city’s bright lights.In our portrayal, we juxtapose the dazzling exterior of Bombay with the poignant, often harsh realities experienced by its inhabitants. We invite the audience to look beyond the superficial allure and to confront the silent, persistent battles faced by many. It is not just a narrative of struggle; it is a call to acknowledge and empathize with the human cost behind the city’s glittering image.
Group
Unicorn Actors Studio is doing regular work in theatre in Mumbai and other cities of India. The group has participated in various national and international theatre festivals. Roop Aroop,The Old Man & The Sea, Familiar Strangers, Genuine Liars, May be This Summer, A Straight Proposal, Suraj ka Saatwan Ghoda, Jal Damru Baje, Dastan-E-Aspatal, Richard III, Ajat Ghar, Chokher Bali, Matadeen Ek Film Katha, Blue whale Saffron Sand, Mrichhkatik, Love ka Overdose,and All My Sons, to name a few are the productions of the group.