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Sindhi Identity: Beyond the Stereotype
7 May
Summary
- Play delves into Sindhi identity using memory and research.
- It features seven stories based on real people and history.
- Production aims to broaden public perception beyond stereotypes.
An original theatre production titled "Pahinjo Kirdaar" delves into the complexities of Sindhi identity, weaving together memory, research, and lived experiences. Conceived by biographer and oral historian Saaz Aggarwal and developed with director Nikhil Katara, the play is the result of 15 years of dedicated research into Sindhi history.
The production, whose title translates to "Who We Are," moves beyond the conventional stereotype of the "shrewd entrepreneur." Instead, it unfolds through seven interconnected narratives—six monologues and one dialogue—each grounded in authentic individuals and historical occurrences. These stories reveal dimensions of Sindhi history shaped by education, the freedom struggle, and civic engagement, forming a richer historical fabric.
"Pahinjo Kirdaar" also brings to light oral histories often absent from public discourse, such as interfaith worship practices and the gradual decline of the Sindhi language. These intimate details are presented alongside broader narratives of migration and adaptation. The creators observe a generational difference in audience reception, with older viewers experiencing nostalgia and younger audiences discovering this history for the first time.
Performances are scheduled for May 9 at the Zapurza Museum of Art and Culture and May 10 at the Pune International Centre. Saaz Aggarwal emphasizes the importance of Sindhis understanding their own identity and encourages broader audiences to engage with this shared history.
