On April 5, 2025, “Hai Mera Dil”, the longest-running Hindi play in the history of Hindi theatre, was staged at the Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill. The house was packed with an enthusiastic audience who couldn’t stop laughing at the witty, quirky, and well-scripted production, presented by the Ank Theatre Group from Mumbai. Directed by the late director Dinesh Thakur, the play first debuted in the late 1970s in Mumbai, adapted from the film “Send Me No Flowers.”
Founded by Dinesh Thakur nearly 50 years ago, the Ank Theatre Group is known for its impressive legacy of over 50 memorable plays, staged more than 5,000 times both in India and internationally. Following his untimely passing, his wife, Preeta Mathur Thakur, continues his legacy, ensuring that his vision lives on. “Hai Mera Dil” is a testament to their commitment to delivering excellent theatre. The play is a well-scripted masterpiece, with flawless performances and witty dialogues delivered so spontaneously that the audience was left in fits of laughter.
The evening began with a heartfelt tribute to the late Dinesh Thakur, followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp to honor Indian culture. The stellar cast brought the quirky characters to life with impeccable timing and brilliance. The main performers included Preeta Mathur Thakur, Aman Gupta, Atul Mathur, K.V. Shankar, and Sumit Bhardwaj, along with local actors Kabil Dhillon and Brinda Pandya, who played small yet significant roles, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The play takes us into the world of Madan Mohan Agarwal (played by Aman Gupta), a well-meaning hypochondriac convinced that his life is about to end any moment due to a serious heart condition. What ensues is a hilarious chain of events that turns his life upside down and leads to an unforgettable theatrical experience. When Madan overhears his doctor’s phone conversation, he mistakenly believes he has only a few months to live. Convinced he’s on the brink of death, he starts making unusual decisions, including planning his beloved wife Usha’s (played by Preeta Mathur Thakur) second marriage to ensure she will be taken care of after his demise. However, Madan can’t reveal the real reason for his actions to Usha, fearing it will shock her. This misunderstanding leads Usha to suspect him of infidelity, and the resulting confusion and chaos spiral out of control. As Madan desperately tries to save his marriage, his life, and his sanity, the audience is treated to a delightful comedy of errors.
Supporting the lead characters are a range of talented actors, including K.V. Shankar as the scheming Ali Beg, Atul Mathur as Madan’s well-meaning but alcoholic friend Arvind, and Sumit Bhardwaj as the overly confident ex-army guest Mohan. Each character brings a unique flavor to the play, contributing to the comedy that unfolds on stage.
The play beautifully combines humor with a touch of drama, creating a fun yet poignant narrative about love, trust, and misunderstandings. It’s a whirlwind of confusion, delusion, and illusion, aptly summed up as a Comic Fusion.
The lighting, masterfully executed by Tushar Bose and Sagar Agashe, and the sound effects, created by Abdul Sajwani, added an extra layer of depth to the performance. The use of props—such as plants, photo frames, furniture, a wheelchair, and balloons—helped create a realistic and immersive set.
The performance marked the 1,178th show of “Hai Mera Dil” in Sydney, a significant milestone in the play’s illustrious run. Written by Ranbir Singh and directed by Dinesh Thakur four decades ago, the play remains as relevant today as it was when it first debuted. Its timeless comedy continues to resonate with audiences, proving its enduring appeal.
The credit for bringing this high-quality production to Sydney goes to Manju Mittal of SCREAN Australia, with support from Ekal Vidyalaya and other sponsors. “Hai Mera Dil” stole everyone’s heart, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting its next performance.
