Gulzar - Mumbai

Once Upon India's first theatrical experience, Gulzar, celebrates Gulzar Sahab not just as one of the most beloved poets of our time, but as an emotion. His words have lived in our childhoods, in train journeys, in love that stayed and in love that quietly left. This curation holds a special place in our hearts.

The evening brings together three art forms - storytelling, singing and dance - as one seamless experience. Listen to some of the most magical songs written by the legend, woven together with stories that illuminate the world he created.

Good to Know

This is an indoor, seated baithak in an auditorium.

Please be seated by 7:00 PM.

The baithak begins at 7:15 PM.

The evening concludes by 10:00 PM.

Seats will be allotted by the organisers.

Hum time ke thode pakke hain.

About the Troupe

Salim Arif

A veteran theatre artist who has worked closely with Gulzar Sahab across film, television and stage. He has directed Gulzar Sahab's stories for theatre, curated evenings around his work and led conversations with him on stage. Few people know the man behind the poetry as closely as Salim Ji. This evening, he shares the stories behind the legend's words.

Pavithra Chari

Trained in Hindustani classical music and a disciple of Smt. Shubha Mudgal, Pavithra has sung for composers such as A R Rahman and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She brings the legend's words to life with warmth and precision.

Saloni Saraf

A Kathak artist trained under Gauri Sharma Tripathi and Sujata Banerjee, Saloni brings movement to the poetry in a way that allows it to breathe alongside the words.

Together, they create an evening to sit with, the way people do in a baithak. Without urgency. Just his words, held close.

About Once Upon India

We build deeply curated musical experiences across India. With over 100 shows across more than 20 cities, we have brought genres ranging from Rajasthani and Pahadi to Sufi Qawwali, Punjabi, Ghazal, Bengali and Gujarati to life on stage.

We believe just one thing - India is beautiful. We have only forgotten how beautiful it is. Once Upon India exists to remind you, one experience at a time.