Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Salim Arif Brings Gulzar Back to Stage With Nature-Themed Show
Salim Arif is a theatre director who has worked with writer Gulzar for nearly 40 years.
They are putting on a new show called Aab’o-Hawaa in Mumbai on October 7.
The show will focus on how Gulzar writes about nature and the environment.
Arif and Gulzar will talk together, and Gulzar will read some of his poems.
Some poems will also be performed with music composed by Sandesh Shandilya.
The idea followed an earlier show about Gulzar’s memories of Mumbai.
Arif says Gulzar’s calm, disciplined way of working has influenced him.
Their long friendship and creative partnership continue through theatre.
Director Salim Arif and writer Gulzar will present Aab’o-Hawaa: An Evening with Gulzar on October 7 at Mumbai’s NCPA.
The program will explore Gulzar’s writing about nature and the environment through conversation, poetry recitation and musical performances.
Some selected poems have been composed by Sandesh Shandilya for the show.
Arif says his creative relationship with Gulzar has lasted nearly 40 years, beginning with work on the Mirza Ghalib television serial.
Their earlier collaborations include the play Kharaashein and last year’s Mumbai-themed program, Aamchi Mumbai.
- Who
- Theatre director Salim Arif and writer Gulzar, with selected poems composed by Sandesh Shandilya.
- What
- Aab’o-Hawaa: An Evening with Gulzar, a program combining conversation, poetry recitation and musical performances.
- When
- October 7; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.
- Why
- The show will explore Gulzar’s writing and concerns about nature and the environment.
- Show
- Aab’o-Hawaa: An Evening with Gulzar
- Date
- October 7; year not stated
- Venue
- NCPA, Mumbai
- Format
- Conversation, poetry recitation and musical performances
- Theme
- Nature and the environment in Gulzar’s writing
- Music
- Selected poems composed by Sandesh Shandilya
- Partnership
- Arif describes his creative relationship with Gulzar as nearly 40 years old.