Please go and watch it. Few shows remain. Thoughtful, educational and poignant.

First of all, a big hat tip to Subrata, Jayanti and others on the occasion of the organization’s 21st anniversary. Over the years, SETU has brought to life Indian stories that hold a mirror to society—highlighting issues such as divisive beliefs, slavery, sexism, gender bias, identity, history, comedy, and more. Congratulations to the entire team on reaching this milestone birthday. 21st is Champagne time, as our kids tell us.

Now, the play.

Two interwoven stories present a comprehensive range of objections raised by both Muslim and Hindu families in opposition to interfaith marriages. To the writer’s credit, the narrative refrains from passing value judgments on the validity of these claims or comparing the differing degree of intolerance of the religions —focusing instead on the tragic consequences they produce.

For me, the most touching part was a despairing question posed by an actor midway through the play: ‘Why isn’t the world a university?’

The answer is that it IS — only for those who are willing to learn from it. And religion thinks it has all the answers – so, why learn from elsewhere?

The simple key to successful interfaith marriages lies in an individual’s ability to let go of the divisive aspects of religious doctrine while still leading a life rooted in virtue.

Oriental religions have historically evolved to support this flexibility—allowing individuals the space to make such choices (whether they choose to or not remains a personal decision). But if religious scriptures from centuries or millennia ago claim that virtue, relationships, social structures, and institutions are rigidly predefined and unquestionable—and that challenging them warrants extreme punishment—it becomes clear that such doctrines offer little foundation for an equitable and fully inclusive marital relationship. Relying solely on religion for guidance and morality is often at the heart of the conflict.

Just look at longstanding interfaith marriages (and my family has many of them) — they usually fall into one of three categories:

(a) One partner gives up their faith and converts to the other’s (in most cases, around 75%), often at the cost of the children’s freedom to choose their own beliefs. (Don't ask for my views on this option)

(b) Both partners consciously set religion aside and face life’s challenges together (my personal favorite).

(c) Each partner follows their own beliefs while allowing their children to experience both and decide for themselves.

The most interesting part of the play was that the same actress portrayed both the Hindu and Muslim girls. I really appreciated the writer’s subtle message about the unity of humanity—it was beautifully woven into the narrative. That is, until the final scene, which felt like a heavy-handed attempt to drive the point home with a hammer and drill (My only criticism!)

PS: While all actors did a fantastic job, my extra hat tip to the actor that played the Hindu bigot (the other Subrata Das) and Mukta - bravo.

— Prashanth PalaKurthi

Watched the two casts from "When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet" play and the story hit home for me as the topic was interfaith marriage. As an interfaith couple, there are several scenes in the play that were relatable and at the same time delves in the complex human relationships. The cast performed every scene with great passion and commitment to the character.

Kudos Jyothsna Luckshetty Rimi Sarkar Das who understood the different characters of Smita and Nadia and played them flawlessly.

Special mention to the Jayanti Bandyopadhyay Mukta Munjal Yogita Miharia for playing the mother's character and bringing out the challenges faced by them in the male dominated world.

The entire cast including the males leads and the supporting actors made the entire play a memorable experience.

I attended both the panel discussions and Dr. Mike Ghouse, Public Speaker enlightened the audience with his knowledge of the Quran and how it is interpreted. You have a fan !

Lastly, thanks to Subrata Das for writing and directing this play and delving into the complex interfaith marriage as a subject. Sree and I are greatly humbled by the opportunity to share our story and provide hope to the community that marriages are based on the foundation of trust and love.

If you want to catch this play, please buy your tickets ASAP for any of the remaining shows as they are selling fast!

The last two shows are on March 22 and 23

— Heena Purkait

Last weekend, I attended a production by SETU in Watertown, MA, which tackled the complex and often contentious subject of interfaith marriages. The narrative unfolded across the contrasting urban landscapes of London and New Delhi, centering on two protagonists from divergent religious backgrounds who endeavor to instill a deeper understanding of love within their families.

The production utilized meticulous symbolism, including color palettes, costume design, and subtle character nuances, to explore the entrenched prejudices, animosities, and ignorance prevalent in both cultures. It poignantly illustrated how societal fears can overshadow parental affection, revealing the dichotomy between conventional norms and personal aspirations in a rapidly evolving world.

The need for open dialogue regarding these perceived deviations from established norms is critical, particularly in demonstrating that perceptions of normalcy can vary significantly across different cultural contexts. The cast effectively brought Subrata's vision to life, and I would like to particularly highlight the compelling performances by Hamida, Mukta, Ajay, Sridhar, Vivek, and the entire ensemble. I find myself wishing I could have experienced the alternate casting and their interpretations of this important work.

— Ammara Nawaz Khan

A Thought-Provoking and Engaging Theatrical Experience! When Gandhi and Muhammad Meet at the Mosesian Center for the Arts .

Centered on the complexities of interfaith marriages—particularly between Hindu and Muslim families—the play delves deep into the emotional struggles, societal pressures, and personal dilemmas faced by young lovers hoping to get married, and their families. Whether in India or among the Indian diaspora, these tensions are presented with nuance, making the play both thought-provoking and deeply relevant.

It is an ambitious project, requiring strong performances to sustain the emotional weight of the subject matter. The cast, composed of part-time theater enthusiasts, delivered commendable performances, managing to keep the audience engaged, even through long and sometimes demanding monologues. Their dedication to the material was evident, and their efforts paid off in creating an immersive and compelling community theater experience.

That said, certain sections of the play felt slightly overextended, and a tighter script could have made some scenes more impactful. Additionally, while the dialogue effectively conveyed the conflicts and emotions, there were moments where a more natural flow in conversations would have heightened the authenticity of the performances.

Despite these minor critiques, SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit deserves praise for tackling such a significant and sensitive subject with sincerity and depth. When Gandhi and Muhammad Meet not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations—an achievement that is at the heart of great theater.

Congratulations to the entire team and co-founders Subrata Das and Jayanti Bandyopadhyay for bringing an important and timely story to the stage

— Rathin Sinha

I saw the recent Setu production of "When Gandhi and Muhammad meet". A complex play dealing with the subject of love, hate, passion and age old prejudice, that involved both tragedy and hope.

It was a worthwhile experience with all the members of the caste giving an uniformly mature performance. Veteran actors Jayanti Bandopadhay and Sridhar Pola were commendable in their roles as parents. All the other younger actors gave a very realistic portrayal with pathos and empathy. The beautiful artistic backdrop by Priyanka Banerjee added to the overall ambience. Kudos to Subrata Das for his excellent script writing and direction.

Congratulations to all for a job well done.

More shows coming in the future, don't miss.

— Parbati Brahma

An afternoon to Remember: "When Gandhi and Mohammad meet”The latest theatre production by SETU

I had the pleasure of attending SETU’s recent production and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. The talented cast, coupled with exceptional direction by Subrata Das and impressive set design, made for a truly captivating performance.

The story, based on inter-faith relationship was expertly woven, with each actor bringing their character to life with depth and nuance. Everyone’s performance stood out but Mukta Munjal ‘s performance did make me shed a tear. The impactful acting, powerful performance was intense and impressive. Kudos to you mukta. Another performance was Ajay’s - a complex character to portray- but you performed all the shades of gray to your best capabilities. So impressive too. The chemistry between the leads was palpable, making their interactions both believable and compelling.

What struck me most, however, was the way the production tackled the problems around inter faith relationships and inevitable conflicts, conversation and outcomes. The cast's thoughtful portrayal of complexities of such situations sparked a necessary conversation, leaving the audience to ponder long after the curtain call.

Overall, the play “When Gandhi and Muhammad meet” is a must-see. With its talented cast, clever direction, and impressive production values, it's an unforgettable night of theatre that will leave you thinking, feeling, and eager for more.

— Neha Mishra Ujlayan

🎭✨ watched the incredible thought-provoking play, When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet, presented by SETU Stage Ensemble Theater Unit. This play explores the intricacies of interfaith marriages, societal pressures, and the essential theme of freedom of choice. Yes, they still exist.

It is such a gripping play that makes you question your moral compass and your beliefs shaped by the age-old religious divide that still drives your decision in the age of AI (Artificial Intelligence).

The intense performances by everyone were nothing short of spectacular. Everyone embodied their characters with remarkable authenticity and passion.

Two men—one Hindu, one Muslim—grapple with family, faith, and the challenges of interfaith marriage. Not to mention the two girls they are in love with, have their own challenges and yes, the biggest one is being a girl expected to follow unfair societal norms and meet family’s expectations. As they navigate personal and societal struggles, this powerful drama questions the divisions that separate us and the humanity that unites us.

A mother’s cry to save her girls and trying to help them navigate through societal complicated norms makes your heart cry. Yes, Mukta Munjal you made me shed a tear too.

💫 Love, faith, and the barriers between them. Come experience is all yourself.

🎟️ get your tickets now! There are shows happening this weekend too.

#WhenGandhiAndMohammedMeet #InterfaithLove #SETUTheater

Congratulations to SETU & team on another successful play on a real issue

— Meenakshi singh

I was fortunate to attend an interesting and thought provoking play last weekend.

The title grabs your attention immediately - When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet. And the topic - interfaith marriage is also very interesting and important, given that we are almost definitely going to face some sort of inter-something relationships with our children, and in the narrower context of hindu muslim marriages, because it's always been a touchy issue in India.

So I was excited to attend this latest offering by SETU and managed to wangle a couple of tickets for the second show thanks to a good friend :). Several of my friends have also seen the show by this point, so it was interesting to compare notes. Everyone agreed that it is really sad that this topic remains relevant even today after generations of the two religions coexisting, given the increased levels of education and awareness, and given that one of the couples has been shown to live in the UK. The play highlighted the potential social consequences: what will people say; how can we go to the temple/mosque; we will lose face; what religion with the kids follow etc. This has been the story that we have grown up with. However, friends who have had personal experiences said that the play should have also highlighted the positives, and that there are successful interfaith marriages, which would've provided a good counterpoint to the narrative, and brought a fresh perspective, which is much needed with all that’s going on in the world.

Something to think about... :). A subtle introduction of bias towards 'fair girl children' was artfully introduced. The 'burden of girl children', complexion... We still have so much to deal with, as a society!

As always, the joy is in watching local talent perform. We all know how much time and effort goes into such endeavors, and I wholeheartedly applaud the entire SETU team, starting with writer- director Subrata Das and the cast and crew. The stage backdrop was beautiful. Costumes and makeup were excellent. The acting by EVERYONE was very good too. I'm so sorry that I don't know the names of all the cast members, but a special shout-out to 'brother' Subrata Das who played the angry dyed-in-orange brother really effectively, as well as his foul-mouthed thug buddy. I would not want to meet them in a dark alley... :). But a 30 second cameo by Mukta Munjal as the sobbing mother at the end was, for me, the most poignant moment that will stay with me for a long time. Overall, an engaging and thought-provoking experience!

There are still 5 more shows to go, and I wish the team the very best!

— Suraja Menon Roychowdhury

Congratulations to SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit on the smashing success of the premier show of 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 !!!

A gripping play that makes you question your own moral compass, our beliefs shaped by the age old religious divide that spans continents and spars with the very essence of humanity, our inability to grow, change, rethink….

Fabulous portrayals by every member of the cast and crew and superb direction by Subrata Das! It is a must watch - catch one of their remaining 8 shows in the month of March!

Thank you Yogita Miharia for inviting me - you are such a natural on stage! 🥰🥰

Prerna Mathur & Gitanjali Srivastava what a transformation !!!😀

Guru Anandh - so powerful on stage!!!

@ Monisha Vaish - you nailed your character!

Sugandha Gopal - fabulous emceeing as always!

Best wishes dear Mukta Munjal for today - sorry to miss seeing your stellar performance ❤️

— Manisha Jain

I recently had the chance to watch When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet by SETU, and I have to say, it was a great experience. The theme of the script grabbed my attention right away, but seeing it performed on stage made me truly appreciate the immense effort and talent behind such a complex production with a diverse cast. Credit goes to the Director, Subrata Das. The play takes on a tough subject, and I loved how the script handled it with so much thought and precision. It brought out raw, real feelings, and the actors did a great job of holding those emotions throughout. The twist at the end was really interesting, keeping us all engaged till the very last moment.

What makes this play even more impactful is that it touches upon a contemporary theme that is highly relevant in the Indian subcontinent today. It was also great to see so many fellow thespians on stage. Congratulations to all. Last but not the least, seeing Jayanti Bandyopadhyay (Debidi) in such a powerful role was truly inspiring.

There are only a couple of shows left, so if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, go grab them now! Congrats to SETU 🙏

— Amitabha Lala

When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet – A Powerful Take on Interfaith Marriages

Congratulations cast Faith who performed in this production- Yogita Miharia, Monisha Vaish, Prerna Mathur, Gitanjali Srivastava, Dheeraj prasad, Hamida Hirani, Nirosh Kumar,Santanu Bagchi,Jyothsana Luckshetty, Guru Anandh,Ketan Dave, Aveek Sircar.

Prateek Paul for Lights and Sound, Priyanka Vanerjee- beautiful mural!, Jayanti Bandyopadhyay - Costume Design, Pictures- Vasudha Kudrimoti and Sanjay Kudrimoti

It was nice to see you Rimi Sarkar Das, Rohini Iris Pola , Sridhar Pola .

When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet – A Powerful Take on Interfaith Marriages

I recently had the opportunity to watch the English play When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet, written and directed by Subrata Das, presented by SETU theatre group.

This thought-provoking production explores the societal views surrounding interfaith marriages, whether it's a Hindu boy with a Muslim girl or a Muslim boy with a Hindu girl. The play sheds light on the deep-rooted prejudices that emerge when religion becomes a divisive force in relationships and love.

What stood out for me was the stark reminder that when religion takes precedence over basic human values, humanity itself is at risk. In a world that was created without religion, it's both powerful and poignant to remember that religions were never meant to divide us. Instead, they should unite us. Yet, when religion dictates personal choices—like who we can love or marry—the concept of unity gets lost, overshadowed by societal expectations and judgments.

The play takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we watch the characters navigate a world where love and happiness take a backseat to religious boundaries. The actors delivered their roles with such raw emotion, making the love, hatred, violence, and concern feel so genuine.

Another significant aspect explored was the concern parents have for their children’s safety when interfaith marriages are involved. The fear for their children’s well-being is palpable, and the practical questions that arise—like which religion the children will follow, what festivals they will celebrate, and who will have the final say—are questions that reflect the real struggles faced by interfaith couples. These concerns resonate deeply and force us to question our own biases and expectations.

The performance was a true testament to the skill of the actors, who brought depth and authenticity to their roles. The production was impeccably executed, with two different casts performing on different days, and the cast I watched was simply outstanding.

When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking play that forces us to confront our own prejudices. It challenges us to reflect on how we view love, religion, and societal pressures. Congratulations to SETU for yet another exceptional production that leaves a lasting impact💐🎊🎉

— Gopika Narula

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to watch SETU( SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit )'s powerful stage play, "When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet," at Mosesian Center for the Arts, Watertown, and I must say—it was an emotional rollercoaster!

The play masterfully explores the complexities of interfaith relationships, societal pressures, and the struggle for acceptance, delivering a bold yet sensitive message against religious division and hatred. Subrata Das, the director, handled this delicate subject with remarkable finesse, ensuring the narrative was both thought-provoking and deeply impactful.

A huge shoutout to Subhrajit Saha Da for introducing me to this play—and for absolutely owning his role as Mahesh Gandhi on stage! 🙌 His performance was truly exceptional.

The stellar performances, gripping storytelling, and unexpected twists left the audience in awe. If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t miss your chance! 🎟️✨

— Trishul Chowdhury

🎭✨ Had the most incredible experience watching a thought-provoking play 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit that delves into the complexities of interfaith marriages, social pressure, and the vital question of freedom of choice. The entire cast delivered performances that were nothing short of spectacular, bringing their characters to life with such authenticity and passion. 🌟

The casting was incredibly well done, perfectly matching each actor to their role, which elevated the story even further. The script was beautifully written, balancing emotional turmoil with just the right amount of light-hearted moments that made us laugh even amidst the intense scenes. The play was filled with powerful emotional scenes and ended with an unexpected twist that left everyone in awe.

Kudos to the director and writer Subrata Das for weaving together such a powerful narrative that not only entertains but also sparks important conversations about love, acceptance, and the struggles we face in society. 👏❤️

Special mention Jyothsna Luckshetty,Yogita Miharia, Guru Anandh, Monisha Vaish Prerna Mathur for their outstanding work.

Thank you Jayanti Di 🙏🏻 missed meeting you.

It was also a lovely evening spent with fellow thespians, sharing our passion for the arts.

Don’t miss this impactful journey - it will leave you reflecting long after the curtain falls!

#Theater #InterfaithMarriages #FreedomOfChoice #EmotionalJourney

— Ekta Jain

My lovely friends delivered a mind-blowing performance yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the play "When Gandhi And Mohammad Meet" by SETU - SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit, Another master piece by our beloved “one and only” director Subrata da.

There are last two shows coming up, on MarBhavesh SharmaJayati BanerjeenNilay MukherjeeAjay Rathih 23rd, highly reGautam PrabhugaonkardeKetan Dave show for the upcoming weekend, go ahead and book your tickets at https://www.mosesianarts.org/timedevents/1988

Hats off to all my talented buddies Manish Dhall,

Rimi Sarkar Das, Subrata Das, Sridhar Pola, Mukta Munjal, Jayanti Bandyopadhyay, Gitanjali Srivastava, and all the other actors, and the hard working backend team - Smriti Thakur Jayakumar, Prateek, Ketan, Gautam and all the other great people who were involved with the production.

— Sumalita

Congratulations to Subrata Das and SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit on another excellent original production, When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet. The cast and production team are all wonderful in this drama exploring two interfaith relationships. SETU is a great community theater company too. Seven more performances this month. setu.us

— Dareen Farrington

Was delighted to enjoy the premier of another thought provoking play by SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit!! These stereotypes, cultural divides, false notions about honor and dignity, still very much exist in our societies. Constant reminders are necessary and helpful. The cherry on the cake was the surprise twist at the end which underscores the message even more. How do you find time to write, direct and often act in your plays Subrata Das is beyond me!! Loved seeing several of my very talented friends on and off the stage. Many more talented casts coming up in the upcoming shows. Get your tickets now and enjoy your local talent ❤️ ❤️

— Pratibha Ayurved

When the real Mohandas Gandhi and Mohammad Ali Jinnah met , it was to tear a country into two pieces in the name of religion , Hindustan and Pakistan. While times have changed now , but the quiet religious divide exists everywhere . Sometimes in your face and explosive but most times between quiet doors , lots of hate incubates in even innocent talks. So Gandhi and Mohammad meet again at a conference but religion is still a topic for discussion.

Have we as humanity been able to get over our own religious prejudices in this day and age is the question that this play explores through some brilliant writing by Subrata Das. The answer takes you on a journey of two stories divided by destiny but united by hope. The play adeptly amalgamates the upanidhads, Bhagawadgeetha , the quran and the latest in Ai into a tale of twins divided by destiny and religion.

I had the pleasure of reading the script before seeing the stage show and I was pleasantly surprised by how creatively the script came alive on the stage . The murals , the prompts giving context to terminologies from various texts were used comprehensively to tell a very relatable story. It was thought provoking and held a mirror to society asking the question , how long ? how long will religious hate continue?

The cast that I had privilege of seeing delivered a beautiful performance. It would be wrong for me to take their names when the other show and cast did equally well . Some brilliant performances make this an unforgettable experience.

The play could have been shorter or a break could have been given in the middle but overall an amazing watch . If you are in the boston area grab your tickets they are selling fast .

— Chandrala Malkood

There are times when a social issue deeply affects us, yet we hesitate to speak about it. This weekend, I had the opportunity to watch a play on interfaith marriages—𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 - an issue that has become increasingly significant in today’s political climate.

Growing up, I never thought in terms of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians. We celebrated each other’s festivals, enjoyed diverse cuisines, and embraced different traditions without a second thought. Even today, my childhood friends and I continue to share that bond, unbothered by religious labels. But lately, interfaith marriages have become a topic of debate. Are we overthinking it?

One thing you don’t need to overthink is watching this play. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. The performances are outstanding—each actor bringing depth to their character with subtle hand gestures, expressive eye movements, and meaningful head nods. The script is beautifully written, capturing intricate family dynamics: a father’s frustration as he tries to discipline his son, a mother torn between her son’s love and her husband’s authority, and another son who obediently gives away a child.

I’m watching it again on March 15th, and I highly recommend you do too. You won’t regret the time spent.

— Saurabh Moondhara

Yesterday I finally had an opportunity to watch " When Gandhi Met Mohammed". The 10th houseful show..

Setu - has been actively doing theater in the New England area for 22+ years and have evolved tremendously. The subjects chosen are unique..Even a hatke treatment of popular plays is interesting.

Yesterday play was a original creation by Subrata Da and a courageous subject..

What I loved was the TV on both side highlighting some scriptures so audience can associate. Since story was being narrated in 2 different parts of the world the blurb about New Delhi - London helped.

Finally the twist in the climax was truly and icing on the cake..

Kudos to Subrata Da Jayantiji and entire cast - Yogita and Monisha both are seasoned actresses doing justice to every role they enact on stage..

All actors did a great job

But my vote goes to Jyothsna Luckshetty for her acting as 2 characters

Overall I am glad I got to see it..

Theater is my passion and so I love refreshing subjects.

It was a theatrical bonanza for me this weekend..

— Eshani Shah

The way I see it - now as in every other time. This particular way as in every other way. Thus the first Saturday of my rushed spring break was well spent admist a sold out ticket crises and a last “ got one”, “Tada “!moment

SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit’s When Gandhi Meets Mohammed is a reflection on interfaith relationships, hiccups, repercussions and realignments

These realignments while often helping us to move on, also forces us to reflect on the core of what leads to the most undesirable and desirable impacts of interfaith choices.

Thus thank you Subrata Das for bringing a narrative with these pertinent questions in a blackbox format. For the afterthoughts and conversations. For pushing boundaries. For blurring the line between the blatant actor and the captive audience.

My personal bias ? When friends deliver and rise to the occasion as in Jayanti Bandyopadhyay Sridhar Pola Rimi Sarkar Das Subrata Das Manish Dhall Ajay Rathi Mukta Munjal Bhavesh Sharma Nilay Mukherjee Vivek Nair Ujwal Wasekar Hamida Hirani

This was not easy- But you told it with poise, responsibility and dignity. You go SETU!!!

Keep those stories coming

— Tanni Chaudhuri

Imran and I went for a wonderful play yesterday .. to be honest I hadnt done my research.. it didnt matter, i was glad he had tickets and our calendars allowed us to go together ..

I thought it was about Prophet Muhammad meeting Mahatma Gandhi and was curious.. little did I know what awaited me was something on the lines of something much more deeply personal.. inter-religious love and marriage..

Gandhi (a Hindu guy in London) wants to marry a Muslim girl and Mohammed (a Muslim guy in New Delhi) wants to marry a Hindu girl..

How culture, religion and social pressures cross generations and international borders ..

I am a product of such a story in the 1980s and growing up was subtly aware of how absent the Hindu side of the family was from our lives but it didn’t seem to frazzle my mother or my grandparents and for me that was sufficient.. but I’d love to ask my mother some deeper questions now ..

Listening to the dialogue, initially I had to resist the urge of irritation and had to remind myself that’s how theatre provokes you..

SETU brought back my weeks at the Kala Ghoda festival in Mumbai and the street theatre performances we frequented. The simplicity of set design, props and costumes only highlights the power of narration and the portrayal of characters that are relatable to people I have met during my time in India, before moving to the US.

I look forward to more of their productions and encourage them to keep stirring emotions as they challenge such deep rooted themes.

Thank you Jayanti Bandyopadhyay and Guru Anandh at SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit for a wonderful performance!

— Niloufer Rakhangi

Last weekend, I was deeply moved by the powerful production 'When Gandhi Met Mohammed' by SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit, a play that masterfully navigated the complexities of interfaith love, weaving together a poignant narrative that transcended continents.

The heart-wrenching portrayal of two couples, torn between their love for each other and the unyielding orthodoxy of their families, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love to overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The play shed light on the devastating consequences of allowing religious divisiveness, bigotry, and anti-feminist biases to prevail, ultimately culminating in violence and societal prejudice.

This thought-provoking production invited us to introspectively examine the extent of our progress as a society and served as a powerful reminder that true progress is not solely measured by financial freedom and success, but by our capacity for empathy, compassion, and understanding. Huge congratulations to the actors, director, and the entire team for gifting us with such a profoundly moving and thought-provoking production!

— Debarchana Basu

Living in Central Delhi gave us access to world class performances. We lived right next to Shri Ram Center for the Arts and my mother would get tickets to so many shows. Mitro Marjani by Himani Shivpuri is one performance etched in my memory.

————-

Yesterday I attended ‘When Gandhi and Mohammed Meet’ a production by @setutheater. I attended thanks to nudges by Mukta Munjal and absolutely loved the experience. I enjoyed every character, the storyline and details displayed on screen, and after party. Excellent job and congratulations to the cast, production team, playwright, director and SETU! Mukta - your subtle performance was a treat ❤️ Keep going!

— Meena Bharath

Saw SETU’s When Muhammad Met Gandhi—a powerful play that tackles interfaith marriage with honesty, heart, and depth. Set in London and New Delhi, it explores how love can challenge deep-rooted biases and generational expectations.

Brilliantly written and directed by Subrata Das, with standout performances by Hamida, Mukta, Ajay, Sridhar, Vivek, and the entire cast. Thoughtful symbolism, emotional nuance, and timely messaging—this one stays with you.

— Irum Tariq

Saw SETU’s When Muhammad Met Gandhi—a powerful play that tackles interfaith marriage with honesty, heart, and depth. Set in London and New Delhi, it explores how love can challenge deep-rooted biases and generational expectations.

Brilliantly written and directed by Subrata Das, with standout performances by Hamida, Mukta, Ajay, Sridhar, Vivek, and the entire cast. Thoughtful symbolism, emotional nuance, and timely messaging—this one stays with you.

— Linda Hall

And I truly respect SETU’s dedication and inspiration! Best to you all.

— Debra Wise

It’s a fantastic play! I truly enjoyed it and was deeply touched by the issues in it.

— Hongtao Guo

The best play seen by far! I can’t appreciate enough the script, the acting, and the storytelling were absolutely captivating. The powerful portrayal was heart-touching and deeply inspiring. Every dialogue delivered with so much passion, and the chemistry on stage was truly mesmerizing.

Subrata Da and crew - THE best

— Soumen Das

Congratulations on an amazing performance!

— ArtsBoston

This is not just a play. This is a mirror to our world—and a call to our humanity.In this unforgettable performance, SETU - Stage Ensemble Theater Unit brings you the story of love that dares to cross every boundary.

Come, watch the mothers- Mukta Munjal Yogita Miharia Jayanti BandyopadhyayMonisha Vaish channel raw, honest emotion as they portray characters torn between devotion to family and the calling of the soul.

You will leave with your heart moved—and your perspective forever changed.

Come prepared to FEEL.

— Sangeet Srikanth

It was such a pleasure to watch Jayanti (Debi) on stage this evening! She was awesome along with all the others in the cast. The play very aptly depicted an age old social unacceptance of Hindu-Muslim relationship and marriage. I wish there was an easy answer to this. May be we could have moved from reality to a fairyland where there were no multiple religions but a brand new religion and tradition that all humankind can follow and belong to.

— Archita Roy

Thank you Jayanti for the opportunity to attend last night’s SETU production. It took on publicly what a lot of people feel or believe privately. Unfortunately, prejudice masquerading as tradition has been, and still is, a constant throughout human history, especially when “beliefs” are more powerful in shaping human behavior than material “facts” or rationality. This is a difficult topic and kudos to SETU for “going there.” And, it was great to see you among the actors as well!

— Aniruddha Banerjee

We thoroughly enjoyed the play. Very thought provoking and well acted by all the characters, especially one we know well. It was a full house. We had a lovely evening.

— Manju Banerjee