The play is a timeless love story. He was a man driven by his passion for his country and she was the woman who loved him for it. Together, they stood strong against the test of time, weathering historical events that shaped the nation and separations that threated to tear them apart yet, the love remained unshaken, a beacon of hope and devotion. Their story is a testament to the power of true love, commitment, and sacrifice. The play is an odyssey of history, love, passion, friendship, and shayari (poetry).
“How often does an actor get the opportunity to portray her own grandmother! By far, this is the most overwhelming experience I’ve had on stage, as I portray my grandmother in my grandparent’s love story” – Juhi Babbar Soni.
Writer
Nadira Zaheer Babbar is a renowned Indian theatre director and actress, celebrated for her pioneering work in Hindi theatre. A gold medallist from the National School of Drama, she founded Ekjute, staging acclaimed productions such as Yahudi Ki Ladki, Jasma Odhan, and Sakku Bai. Recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, she has also appeared in films like Bride and Prejudice and Jai Ho.
Noor Zaheer is an accomplished writer, feminist, and theatre director. Her books, My God is a Woman, Ret Par Khoon, Denied by Allah, and Syaahi Ki Ek Boond explore gender, faith, and social justice, reflecting her commitment to purposeful art.
Juhi Babbar Soni is a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, she curated theatre for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival for 7 years and leads workshops for aspiring actors. Her acclaimed plays With Love, Aap Ki Saiyaara and Ek Lamhaa Zindagi, A Love Story 1938-1979 have earned widespread recognition.
Director
Makarand Deshpande is a celebrated Indian actor, playwright, director, and filmmaker known for his bold creativity and intense performances. As co-founder of the theatre group – Ank, he has produced over 50 short plays and 40 full-length productions, including Sir Sir Sirla, Siachen, and Shakespearecha Mhatara. He has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2017), the Suvarnaratna Lifetime Achievement Award (2025), and the Natsamrat Balgandharv Award (2025).
Juhi Babbar Soni has performed in over 500 shows nationally and internationally. Her acclaimed plays With Love, Aap Ki Saiyaara and Ek Lamhaa Zindagi, A Love Story 1938-1979 have earned widespread recognition.
Director’s Note
It was an incredible experience co-directing Ek Lamhaa Zindagi: A Love Story, 1938–1979 alongside Makarand Deshpande, and being directed by him. We began with an enormous volume of research, material that could easily have translated into more than eight hours of performance. That we were able to distil all of it into a tightly held 90-minute play feels truly extraordinary to me. I am deeply grateful to my parents, Raj Babbar and Nadira Babbar, for the upbringing that allowed me to understand the meaning of patriotism and to appreciate the importance of peace, harmony, and humanity. This is my maternal grandparents’ story, with a universal appeal. Its relevance spans generations, resonating with those who lived through the pre- and post-Independence years, as well as with the present generation. Performing the role of Razia on stage has been the most overwhelming experience of my life. – Juhi Babbar Soni
Juhi is one of the most excellent actors of our time. I am excited to be a part of this play. Especially, because I was also a part of Nadira ji’s play Meri Maa ke Haath from where Juhi derives the inspiration for the play. I am more than happy to see Juhi taking the legacy forward. It is great to see Juhi’s perspective on her Nana-Nani’s story. Wow! One of the few times one can really be a part of such a journey where two individuals sacrificed their lives for their country, for each other and their children. Jai Rangmanch! Jai Hind! – Makarand Deshpande.
Group
Ekjute Theatre Group was founded by legendary actor and Indian Politician Raj Babbar and theatre veteran Nadira Zaheer Babbar in 1981. Ekjute has adapted and presented works of several eminent playwrights such as Dr. Dharamvir Bharati, Agha Hashar Kashmiri, Bertolt Brecht, Bhasa, Kalidasa, Albert Camus, Badal Sircar, Jaywant Dalvi, John Osborne, Eugene O’Neil, among others. Ekjute has successfully worked and collaborated with some of the legends in the field of music, art, dance and literature. Artists such as M.F. Hussain, Pandita Uma Dogra, Amjad Ali Khan, Hariprasad Chaurasia, among several others, have closely worked with Ekjute on its productions.