Shimla, (UNI) Daughter of veteran actor and parliamentarian Raj Babbar, Juhi Babbar Soni, today captivated theatre enthusiasts with her powerful solo performance “Ek Lamhaa Zindagi – A Love Story (1938–1979)” at the Amateur Dramatic Club (ADC), Gaiety Theatre, here.
The moving theatrical presentation, staged under the banner of Ekjute, the theatre group founded by Nadira Zaheer Babbar, marked the 46th staging of the production across five countries.
Based on the acclaimed literary work “Ek Lamhaa Zindagi”, the play unfolds a poignant love story that spans from the pre-Independence era to post-Independent India. It beautifully portrays the emotional journey of a freedom fighter and a literary figure associated with the Progressive Writers’ Association and IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association).
The script — penned by Nadira Zaheer Babbar, Noor Zaheer, and Juhi Babbar Soni — was compiled and performed solely by Juhi Babbar Soni and co-directed by Makarand Deshpande and Juhi Babbar Soni. Her nuanced expressions and evocative narration held the audience spellbound, weaving together threads of love, ideology, friendship, and Urdu shaayari.
The presentation, earlier featured at Jashn-e-Rekhta in New Delhi, continues to earn high praise for its lyrical storytelling and emotional intensity.
Interestingly, the ADC Gaiety Theatre has recently become a vibrant hub for Urdu-based solo and narrative performances. Alongside Ek Lamhaa Zindagi, the historic venue has also hosted acclaimed shows like “Dastan-e-Karn” by the Dastangoi Collective, which brought the epic story of Karna to life, and “Urdu Kissa”, another poetic monologue that celebrated the depth and beauty of Urdu storytelling.
With such performances drawing enthusiastic audiences, Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre continues to reaffirm its legacy as one of India’s most cherished spaces for art, language, and cultural expression.
