Review by Manju Sampat

One of Delhi’s leading theatre groups, The Films and Theatre Society,
together with Coconut Theatre, launched their new play “Dads
Girlfriend” this weekend at St. Andrews Auditorium in Bandra.

Atul Satya Koushik who is known for his other successful plays like 
Chakravyuh featuring Nitish Bharadwaj, Draupadi, featuring Rakesh Bedi 
and Himani Shivpuri, Raavan Ki Ramayan, that was also recently performed 
in Mumbai, featuring Puneet Issar, now gives us something totally 
different. He has written and directed this hilarious play which is an 
urban family entertainer in Hinglish. After many successful shows in 
Delhi, this theatrical extravaganza “Dad’s Girlfriend” comes to 
Mumbai.

“Dads Girlfriend” is the story of Mr. Vaidya, a famous and reputed 
author, speaker and professor, who in his quest for success, could never 
quite devote himself fully to his wife or daughter. He comes from the 
U.S. to visit his daughter Diya, who is married to Kanav, a struggling 
theatre artist, a profession Vaidya disapproves of. Suman Vaidya is 
perfectly cast as the middle aged Vaidya and very ably plays his role. 
Apart from this father-daughter bonding, there is Kanav entertaining us 
with his witty punches and clever one liners! Satyendra Malik is spot on 
as Kanav, and keeps the audience entertained right through the play. 
Karishma Singh as Diya is also very convincing. Things get a bit out of 
hand and take a rather awkward and funny turn when Avni, an old student 
and an ardent fan of Vaidya’s, happens to run into him and starts seeing 
him quite often, and in fact she moves in with his family! Anumeha Jain 
does a fine job as Avni. She is also a writer and wants Vaidya to get 
her book published. Though much younger than Vaidya she falls in love 
with him, as she wants a “man not a boy”. Diya too is desperate for her 
father’s affection and time.

In the end, Vaidya finds himself standing at crossroads, needing to make 
a choice between his newfound fatherhood and closeness to his daughter 
Diya, and the elusive love he was always seeking. This delightful play 
is indeed a funny tale of lost and found relationships and life and 
laughter. Atul Satya Koushik, the writer and director of this play, 
says, “After doing historical and mythological plays, I always wanted to 
do something modern and comical. Two years ago I got an idea to work on 
human relations, and I’m glad it turned out so well and is receiving so 
much love wherever we perform it.”

The sets by Gulfam Mohammed and his team, are excellent and extremely 
functional. The costumes and lighting effects are also really good. Do 
see this play, as there is an additional show at the Royal Opera House.