Mumbai: Writer, director and actor Naveen Bawa has spent nearly two decades exploring commercial comedy through theatre, and his latest play, *Saali Poori Ghar Waali*, brings together humour, relationships, music and a social message. For Bawa, comedy has always been a way of talking about subjects that people may otherwise hesitate to discuss.
Talking about his journey, Naveen says, “*Saali Poori Ghar Waali* is my third commercial comedy play in the last twenty years.” He began with *Aasmaan Se Gire Khajoor Mein Atke* in 2006, which went on to become a hit internationally. He later wrote, directed, produced and acted in *Ek Prayas*, followed by *Baap Ka Baap*. Both plays travelled extensively across India and overseas.
Coming to his latest production, Naveen explains that *Saali Poori Ghar Waali* is essentially a story about relationships. “There are so many divorces happening, so many marriages are breaking down and relationships are falling apart. Why is this happening? The play explores that,” he says. At the same time, he adds, the play talks about family and the relationship between a husband and wife without becoming too heavy for the audience.
The Punjabi identity of the wife’s character was something Naveen had decided right from the beginning. “When I started writing the play, I had already decided that I wanted the wife’s character to be Punjabi,” he says. He adds that the actor understood the character almost instantly, which made the process much easier.
According to Naveen, the overall experience of watching the play is not restricted to comedy. Music, sound and lighting are equally important elements of his productions. “So this play has everything: songs, dance, entertainment, laughter, emotions and, of course, a small but important social message,” he says.
Handling the writing, direction and acting himself may sound like a lot, but Naveen insists that he enjoys the process. “I really enjoy multitasking. Writing, acting and direction are all connected for me,” he says. He also conducts readings with his actors before rehearsals so that everyone understands the characters and the way he has envisioned them.
Even after 20 years, Naveen says his curiosity remains intact. “I am still a student and I want to keep learning and doing more,” he says. Alongside theatre, he is also directing a film, which he says should be coming soon.
For audiences planning to watch the play, Naveen sums it up simply: “*Saali Poori Ghar Waali* has everything: a great cast, music, songs, dance, emotions, laughter and a small social message. I am sure you will enjoy the play.”
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