LAC in Partnership with ARRA Arts Brings Award-winning Hindi Play ‘Gardish Mein Taare’ to Mississauga

This Friday, April 26, 2019, The Living Arts Centre in partnership with ARRA Arts presents Gardish Mein Taare in Hammerson Hall at 8:00pm.

Gardish Mein Taare (rough English translation: ‘Stars in the Sky’) is directed by Saif Hyder Hassan and performed in Hindi with English subtitles. This somewhat musical play explores the pain, pathos, magic and music inspired by the turbulent times and relationship shared by two mavericks - Guru Dutt and his wife Geeta Dutt - portrayed by renowned actors, Arif Zakaria and Sonali Kulkarni.

The era of the 50s and 60s is brought to life with beautiful lyrics, hit music and stunning sets to help audiences reminisce about this poignant age of Hindi film. Director Saif Hyder Hasan subtly shines light on the turmoil and inner conflicts that a husband and wife go through in a marriage when careers and ambitions intrude on a relationship, incorporating fictional elements and real-life incidents in Guru Dutt’s life that make for a thoroughly entertaining watch!

In a press conference at the Living Arts Centre earlier this month, from the CEO of ARRA Arts Inc., Anu Srivastava, said, “ARRA Arts has and will always be dedicated to bringing high-caliber South Asian arts, music, and culture to Canada; in such a multicultural country, we want to bridge these cultural links and celebrate the diversity of Canadians.” Natalie Lue added, “It is an absolute pleasure to be partnering with ARRA Arts for a second time after their resounding success bringing ‘Broken Images’ to the Living Arts Centre last year, starring the outstanding Shabana Azmi, and we know this performance will be no different.”

Sonali Kulkarni and Arif Zakaria, the two actors starring in Gardish Mein Taare, as well as the Director, Saif Hyder Hasan, were present for interviews via video chat from India, providing even more personal insight into this brilliant performance. Both spoke passionately about their roles: “It is almost as if the characters and ourselves have become one; it doesn’t seem like we are portraying other people anymore, we have gotten so closely linked to these characters,” said Sonali Kulkarni. Arif Zakaria commented on the beautiful stage set, and the strong links between the story and the fast-paced era of Indian cinema in the 50s, 60s and 70s. “Those who have a cultural link to India will definitely feel connected to the music, the history, and the nostalgia” said Arif Zakaria.

Director Saif Hyder Hasan also shed some light on the research that went into creating Gardish Mein Taare. Throughout his life, he has had many connections with Guru Dutt (portrayed by Arif Zakaria), pouring over Guru Dutt’s work and life. “This performance is not meant to be biographical; it is heavily inspired by the lives of husband and wife, Guru and Geeta Dutt, but the way we tell their story is very personal and relatable to any audience,” he said.

This play is performed in Hindi with English subtitles. Tickets start at $30. Purchase tickets today at www.livingartscentre.ca or call the Box Office (905-306-6000) – don’t forget to book your dinner at the Living Arts Centre’s LIVE Restaurant! Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more – call the Box Office for more information.