Naatak Radio

[S4E5] Aisa Hota Hai by Dr. Sandhya Singh

Send us Fan Mail On a rain-soaked evening in Singapore, a young immigrant’s homesickness leads him to notice an elderly woman collecting discarded cans outside a metro station. A quiet reflection on loneliness, dignity, ageing, and the unseen lives hidden beneath a city’s glittering surface. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

[S4E4] Munshi Premchand's Jurmana (The Penalty)

Send us Fan Mail Naatak Radio presents Munshi Premchand's acclaimed "Jurmana" adapted into a play for stage and radio by Manish Sabu. A poor shopkeeper sells foreign cotton in defiance of Mahatma Gandhi’s swadeshi movement, earning the wrath of the Congress Party, which levies a penalty on him. In response, his dying wife rises to defend him in spectacular fashion, shocking her husband, the Congress Party, and India itself. Jurmana was staged as a part of Naatak's TALES OF RESISTANCE in April 2026 at the Starbright Theater in Campbell. The Naatak team got together to specifically stage this radio version of the play for Naatak Radio! Voice Actors: Vinay Gavaskar, Mona Sheth, Anitha Dixit, Jai Jhala, Shashanak Divekar, Omkar Paranjape, Vaishali Kirpekar, Nirmal Bajaj, Vihaan Rodge, Arjun Pant, M Zishan, and Upendra Yadav. Post production by Anitha Dixit and Rishabh Sabu. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

[S4E3] Munshi Premchand's Namak Ka Daroga (The Salt Inspector)

Send us Fan Mail Naatak Radio presents Munshi Premchand's acclaimed "Namak Ka Daroga" adapted into a play for stage and radio by Manish Sabu. An honest salt inspector is swept into the morally flexible world of a powerful businessman. Will he give in to the temptation or pay the price of his honesty? Namak Ka Daroga was staged as a part of Naatak's TALES OF RESISTANCE in April 2026 at the Starbright Theater in Campbell. The Naatak team got together to specifically stage this radio version of the play for Naatak Radio! Voice Actors: Jay Ruparel, Dinesh Rao, Rohit Chouray, Namita Vakil, Ravishankar Alladi, Puru Pahuja, Omkar Paranjape, M Zishan, Anitha Dixit, and Richa Pareek. Post production by Anitha Dixit and Rishabh Sabu. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

[S4E1] Sava Ser Gehun (सवा सेर गेहूँ) by Munshi Premchand

Send us Fan Mail Naatak Radio is back with an all new Season 4! Our parent theater company, Naatak, is staging its 118th production: Munshi Premchand's TALES OF RESISTANCE. Apr 3 - 26, 2026 at the Starbright Theater in Campbell. To celebrate this, we'll present a few of Premchand's classic stories in the next few episodes. In this episode, presenting, SAVA SER GEHUN. This story recounts the tragic downfall of Shankar, a virtuous and simple farmer who falls into a terminal trap of debt slavery. After borrowing a small amount of wheat to feed a visiting monk, he fails to formally repay a local priest, leading to an exponentially inflated debt years later. Despite Shankar's extreme sacrifices and frugality, the predatory interest rates turn a minor favor into an inescapable financial burden. The narrative illustrates how systemic exploitation and religious guilt force the protagonist into lifelong bonded labor. How does this cycle end? Listen to Munshi Premchand's sharp social commentary, especially at the end of the episode. DO NOT MISS THE ENDING! If you like the episode do tune into the next episode where we discuss the finer details of this story. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

[S4E2] A discussion on Sava Ser Gehun (सवा सेर गेहूँ)

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a discussion on the key topics of Naatak Radio's presentation of "Sava Ser Gehun" by Munshi Premchand. Listen to the episode here. This episode analyzes the themes of exploitation and systemic injustice in this story. How did a small debt lead to lifelong bonded labor? Explore the role of social and religious pressure on Shankar. And more importantly, what does "sava ser" really mean? Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Nautanki Shehzaadi rehearsal recording (Sultana Daku)

Send us Fan Mail Naatak presents SULTANA DAKU Sep 6-28 2025 www.naatak.org Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Inspector Matadeen Chaand Par (इंस्पेक्टर मातादीन चांद पर) by Harishankar Parsai, performed by Vineet Mishra

Send us Fan Mail The moon is looking to upgrade its law enforcement and they reach out to the friendly Indian government who sends its most accomplished officer, Inspector Matadeen. Will Matadeen improve the lunar police efficiency? Performed by Vineet Mishra Background Music: Meditative Mind Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Calculation by Malti Joshi

Send us Fan Mail A light-hearted narrative written by Malti Joshi and performed by Priyanka Nimkar talks about a girl and her mother. The mother is in search of prospects for her daughter. The daughter is very choosy. But one day she meets someone special. Listen to the full episode to know what happens after? Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

APNI APNI BIMARI by Harishankar Parsai

Send us Fan Mail Apni Apni Bimari by Harishankar Parsai masterfully explores the nuanced landscape of human suffering through the lens of satire. This story unveils the peculiar and often ironic hierarchies of problems people face in life—from those who lament their financial hardships over taxes while living comfortably, to those who struggle for basic needs, and the inescapable burden of small-scale troubles that seem monumental to those bearing them. Parsai's storytelling highlights the relativity of pain and how one’s perspective shapes their sense of struggle. Join us as we delve into this comedic yet poignant narrative that examines how people cling to their unique "illnesses" while yearning for greater struggles that symbolize status and privilege. The result is an insightful, relatable portrayal that sparks both laughter and reflection on the human condition. Performed by Vikas Dhurka Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Art Ka Pul

Send us Fan Mail This beautiful narrative written by Fahim Azmi ji and performed by Priyanka Nimkar talks about a village separated due to certain events. Listen to the full episode to know, will the distance create differences or will actually bring the people closer than ever. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Vrindavan (2024) - Original Sound Track

Send us Fan Mail Presenting the much awaited soundtrack of Naatak's 110th production: Vrindavan! These songs are recorded live during VRINDAVAN's staging in September 2024. VRINDAVAN is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, told through humor and wit, the bhajans of Meera Bai and the grace of classical Kathak. Inspired by a real life incident. Play Credits: Written and Directed by Sujit Saraf Original lyrics by Sujit Saraf Producer and Dance Choreographed by Soumya Agastya Composer and music director, Nachiketa Yakkundi Artists: Vocals: Nachiketa Yakkundi, Amit Shenoy, Ritesh Nayak, Anitha Dixit, Poonam Yakkundi, Richa Pareek Organ: Anand Karve Tabla: Ajay Sundar Raj Flute: Arjun Bharadwaj Guitar: Ritesh Nayak Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

• Chapters

'Chhat wala Kamra Aur Ishq wala Love- Part 2' by Anju Sharma

Send us Fan Mail This beautiful narrative written by Anju Sharma and performed by Priyanka Nimkar talks about Naina and Anurag. Takes a trip down memory lane, specially to that 'Chhat Wala Kamra' which witnessed the their relationship. This writer portrays the heartbeat of old relationships, the changes brought about by time. Part 1 : Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/63GcM90ebslBnSl3EqSccY?si=0tg59DQXRCeQ7OnJtiFuVw Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chhat-wala-kamra-aur-ishq-wala-love-part-1-by-anju-sharma/id1505134555?i=1000671010806 Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

'Chhat wala Kamra Aur Ishq wala Love- Part 1' by Anju Sharma

Send us Fan Mail This beautiful narrative written by Anju Sharma and performed by Priyanka Nimkar talks about Naina and Anurag. Takes a trip down memory lane, specially to that 'Chhat Wala Kamra' which witnessed the their relationship. This writer portrays the heartbeat of old relationships, the changes brought about by time. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Guldasta (गुलदस्ता) by Anju Mehta

Send us Fan Mail This beautiful narrative written by Anju Mehta and performed by Priyanka Nimkar takes us through the emotional journey of leaving behind not just a house, but an entire life filled with memories. When the protagonist’s family prepares for a new chapter, the heart lingers, tethered to the home they once knew. This episode expresses the quiet strength we find in nature when everything else seems to be changing. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Ghungroos on a Jaipur foot by Savitha Samu

Send us Fan Mail Chasing excellence requires discipline. How can one be a free bird then? In Ghungroos on a Jaipur foot, written and performed by Savitha Samu, we hear a girl's predicament when her impressionable mind gets pulled in different directions when she starts excelling in her passion. Does she dance to the tune of those around her or does she dance only to the beat of her Ghungroos? Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Sher (शेर) by Asgar Wajahat (असग़र वजाहत)

Send us Fan Mail This week on Naatak Radio presenting a symbolic and satirical short story by Asghar Wajahat. In a tale probably belonging in the Panchtantra style of story-telling, but reminiscent of The Animal Farm, we hear of a jungle where animals willingly enter a lion's open mouth. Why are they doing this? And what happens when someone tries to question this system forms the basis of this short story. What's really impressive in this story is how a really powerful message is delivered in <5 minutes. Do you find yourself entering the lion's mouth without questioning? Please let us know in your comments. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Syed Asghar Wajahat, popularly known as Asghar Wajahat (Hindi: असग़र वजाहत) (born 5 July 1946), is a Hindi scholar, fiction writer, novelist, playwright, an independent documentary filmmaker and a television scriptwriter, who is most known for his work, 'Saat Aasmaan' and his acclaimed play, 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai', based on the story of an old Punjabi Hindu woman who gets left behind in Lahore, after the Partition of India, and then refuses to leave. He has published five collections of short stories, six collections of plays and street plays, and four novels. NAATAK's Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya on YouTube Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Vrindavan: Naee Jaaoon

Send us Fan Mail Presenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Naee Jaaoon, presented as a Meera Bhajan, a widow pleads to not be asked to leave Vrindavan as she wants to devote herself to her one and only true love. About the Play In 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini. This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in which 12 feisty widows live in raucous celebration until a Bollywood actress arrives to disrupt their lives. Vrindavan is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, and told through humor and wit, the songs of Meera Bai and the gyrations of Bollywood songs. The play features spectacular sets, costumes and lights, along with live music by Nachiketa Yakkundi and his team. A news item on the incident that became the genesis of this play: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/widows-from-bengal-bihar-stay-there-why-crowd-vrindavan-hema-malini-667204 Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

ALMAARI by Anshu Johri

Send us Fan Mail This week on Naatak Radio, Anshu Johri's ALMAARI. A touching tale of an inanimate piece of furniture that brings memories alive! Background music: Sparsh Johri. ALMAARI is written by Anshu Johri and is a story from her recent collection of stories: Adrishya Kinara. Adrishya Kinara is available on Amazon Kindle, Audible, and Applebooks. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Vrindavan: Ranaji Mharo Mard Maryo

Send us Fan Mail Presenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Ranaji Mharo Mard Maryo, presented as a Meera bhajan, we hear the widows talking about only wanting to live in Vrindavan and devote themselves to Krishna now that they've lost their husband. About the Play In 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini. This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in which 12 feisty widows live in raucous celebration until a Bollywood actress arrives to disrupt their lives. Vrindavan is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, and told through humor and wit, the songs of Meera Bai and the gyrations of Bollywood songs. The play features spectacular sets, costumes and lights, along with live music by Nachiketa Yakkundi and his team. A news item on the incident that became the genesis of this play: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/widows-from-bengal-bihar-stay-there-why-crowd-vrindavan-hema-malini-667204 Support the Show. Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.

Vrindavan: Saat Janam Ke Phere

Send us Fan Mail Presenting the next song from Naatak's VRINDAVAN, our 110th production. In Saat Janam ke Phere, we hear a typical Bollywood song that could have featured in any of the movies featuring the actors that the widows talk about. About the Play In 2014, Bollywood’s dream girl Hema Malini became Member of Parliament from Mathura. When visiting a widow-home in Vrindavan, she suggested that Vrindavan widows should remain in Bengal instead of coming to over-crowded Vrindavan. The uproar that followed involved many actors – NGOs, the BJP, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Hema Malini. This incident provides the inspiration for Vrindavan, City of Widows, in which 12 feisty widows live in raucous celebration until a Bollywood actress arrives to disrupt their lives. Vrindavan is a grand musical, juxtaposing the colorful love of Radha and Krishna with the stark existence of Vrindavan widows, and told through humor and wit, the songs of Meera Bai and the gyrations of Bollywood songs. The play features spectacular sets, costumes and lights, along with live music by Nachiketa Yakkundi and his team. A news item on the incident that became the genesis of this play: http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/widows-from-bengal-bihar-stay-there-why-crowd-vrindavan-hema-malini-667204 Support the show Subscribe to Naatak Radio on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Jio Saavn or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to our library of over 100 episodes on our website at naatak.org/naatakradio/ Love the show? Consider supporting the show here.