Pehchaan (meaning ‘Identity’) is a poignant theatrical production inspired by the lived experiences of a transgender individual. The play offers an intimate and emotionally resonant portrayal of the personal and social realities faced by members of the transgender community.
Through powerful narrative and evocative performances, the story traces a journey marked by rejection, isolation, and internal conflict, while highlighting an enduring struggle for dignity, acceptance, and belonging. At its core lies a universal human desire—to be seen, respected, and embraced for one’s authentic self. The protagonist’s path reflects resilience in the face of prejudice and the courage required to assert one’s true identity in a society often resistant to difference.
Designed to challenge stereotypes and dismantle bias, Pehchaan serves as both artistic expression and social commentary. It sensitizes audiences to lived realities frequently overlooked, encouraging reflection, empathy, and dialogue.
More than a stage production, Pehchaan is a compelling call to action—urging communities to uphold respect, equality, and inclusion, and to recognize identity not as a barrier, but as a fundamental human right.
Writer & Director
Mrs. Niti Shukla is an accomplished educationist, social reformer, and theatre practitioner whose work bridges academic leadership and artistic activism. With over a decade of experience serving as teacher, supervisor, and principal at reputed institutions such as Army Public Schools, St Patrick’s School, Sacred Heart Sr. Sec. School, and Sophia Girls’ School, she combines strong academic credentials—including advanced degrees in science, education, and human resource management—with professional theatre training from the National School of Drama. Her acclaimed play Pehchaan – A Story of Identity, inspired by the real-life journey of a transgender individual, sensitively portrays themes of rejection, dignity, belonging, and self-acceptance, challenging prejudice through layered storytelling. Actively engaged in Delhi’s Mandi House theatre circuit, she uses performance as a catalyst for gender equity and social justice. As Founder of Saniti Empowerment Trust and as Jury Member and Board Director for Miss Universe Trans, she advances transgender empowerment through education, advocacy, theatre, and livelihood initiatives, championing inclusive and compassionate social transformation.
Co-Director
Vijai Kumar Singh is a distinguished theatre educator, actor, and author with over two decades of rich experience in performance and pedagogy. A former Director of the TIE Wing at the National School of Drama (Tripura Centre), he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Theatre in Education initiatives, especially in Northeast India.
An alumnus of Gorakhpur University and trained at Bharatendu Natya Akademi, he is also a UGC NET qualified scholar in Drama/Theatre. As an actor and teacher with NSD’s Theatre in Education Company for a decade, and later as Assistant Director (2012), he has contributed significantly to academic leadership, curriculum development, and institutional training.
A recipient of the Ministry of Culture Fellowship (2001–02) for One-Man Show performance, he specializes in solo acting and drama as a pedagogical tool. He has served as visiting faculty at premier institutions including NSD, NCERT, and the School of Drama, Thrissur. His Hindi book on Theatre in Education is currently under publication by Setu Prakashan.
He continues to inspire educators and students through his commitment to theatre as a transformative medium of learning.
Director’s Note
Pehchaan was born from a deep need to listen—to truly listen—to stories that are often spoken over, silenced, or misunderstood. This production is inspired by real experiences, and with it comes a responsibility to portray truth with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity.
At its heart, Pehchaan is not merely about gender; it is about identity—the universal human longing to be seen, accepted, and valued. While the narrative follows the journey of a transgender individual, the emotions it explores—rejection, hope, fear, resilience, and love—belong to us all. Through minimalistic staging and emotionally grounded performances, we have sought to keep the focus on the human story rather than spectacle.
As a director, my intention has been to create a space where audiences do not simply watch, but feel; where discomfort becomes reflection, and reflection transforms into empathy. Theatre has the power to humanize what society often marginalizes. With Pehchaan, we aim to challenge prejudice, question inherited biases, and open hearts to dialogue.
This play is a tribute to courage—the courage to live authentically despite adversity. If viewers leave the auditorium with greater compassion and awareness, then our purpose has been fulfilled.
Group :
Saniti Empowerment Trust is a social development organization committed to empowering marginalized communities and advancing equal rights through the transformative power of theatre. Rooted in the belief that identity is a fundamental human right, the Trust works to promote dignity, respect, and acceptance for all individuals, particularly transgender persons seeking mainstream inclusion. Its core mission centers on advocating social justice and equality while creating meaningful platforms for awareness, dialogue, and community engagement. Through theatre-based initiatives and empowerment programs, the organization amplifies marginalized voices, challenges prejudice, and fosters inclusive spaces that encourage understanding and participation. By integrating artistic expression with social advocacy, Saniti Empowerment Trust strives to build sustainable pathways for opportunity, representation, and social change, ensuring that every individual is recognized with dignity and provided equal access to growth and acceptance within society.