‘Vilayat Mahal’ is a Moving Play About Exile, Identity, and a Woman’s Pursuit to Reclaim Her Family’s Dignity
- It is based on a true story reported by The New York Times, and brought to the stage by writer-director Anush Moorthy and producer Vikas Dhurka.
I had the privilege of attending “Vilayat Mahal,” the final production of Naatak’s 29th season—and what a profound, unforgettable experience it was. Based on a true story reported by The New York Times, and brought to the stage with vision and care by writer-director Anush Moorthy and producer Vikas Dhurka, this play is a deeply moving portrait of exile, identity, and a woman’s defiant pursuit to reclaim her family’s dignity.
Set against the backdrop of a family’s post-Partition trauma, the play spans decades and continents, from pre-Partition Lucknow to Karachi, to the waiting room of Nizamuddin railway station (in Delhi), and ultimately, the haunting corridors of Malcha Mahal. At the center of it all is Vilayat Mahal, once a proud, elite Begum, now caught in a unraveling existence.
Despite being a volunteer cast, the performances in this production are nothing short of remarkable. The emotional range, flawless dialogue delivery, and fine comedic timing is noteworthy. The actors embody their characters with sensitivity, voice control, and charisma, commanding attention with every line.
The dual portrayals of Vilayat by Palak Joshi and Mehul Smriti Raje anchor the play with extraordinary power. We see the character’s evolution from a proud, outspoken, Begum in Lucknow to a spectral figure clinging to royalty in a Delhi railway waiting room, and finally to her heartbreaking decline in Malcha Mahal. Both Palak and Mehul brought so much depth to their roles, every bit of sorrow, delusion, and strength, came through so clearly that it never felt like two people playing one character. It just felt like one real, complex person telling her story.
The supporting cast is just as compelling. The actor playing Inayat Khan (Vilayat’s husband) played by Ankit Dhingra gives a stirring performance of a man crushed by cruelty and unforeseen circumstances. There’s a moment when he cries, and the tremble in his voice is so haunting, it sends a shiver through the room.
This play tells one of the many stories of families displaced and forgotten. It’s about who survives, who doesn’t, and who lives to tell the tale.
The ghazals delivered by Sakina (played by Simarpreet Kaur) create an atmosphere that makes you feel you’re in that decade. Puneet Bansal does a great job playing the comedic Cyrus who is wrapped up in his own world, just waiting for things to happen in passive way. Natraj Kumar, plays the devoted stationmaster Kuldeep. His scenes are understated but powerful, offering moments of humanity that shine in contrast to the indifference of the world around Vilayat. Chhoti, his young assistant, played by Anoushka Dave another quiet unsung era of that difficult time, a figure of loyalty in an otherwise indifferent world.
Another special mention goes to Mona Sheth, who narrated the play and helped us understand the time period and the parallel political climate. She also delivers a surprise element that you’ll have to see the play next weekend to discover.
The production design, sets, and costumes are also simply exceptional. The transformation of a stage into a first-class waiting room, into Lucknow’s aromatic kitchens, and finally into the decaying grandeur of Malcha Mahal is done with such care and ease.
This play tells one of the many stories of families displaced and forgotten. It’s about who survives, who doesn’t, and who lives to tell the tale.
This final show of the season is a must-watch. If you haven’t seen it yet, do not miss the upcoming performances at Cubberley Theater in Palo Alto:
Friday, June 20 at 8 PM
Saturday, June 21 at 4 PM and 7 PM
Sunday, June 22 at 2 PM
Support Naatak, support the arts.
Theatre like this doesn’t just tell a story, it preserves a history, evokes a culture, and reminds us of our shared heritage.
Dr. Abha Soni is a young physician new to the Bay Area, who specializes in diagnosing skin diseases. Outside of work, she finds joy in sharing stories about her experiences and attending social and cultural events. She is also passionate about food, beauty/skincare, and travel blogging. Her artistic sensibilities find expression through visual art, music, and singing, which enrich her multifaceted life beyond medicine.