Once Upon a Time NOT in Bollywood

A political play in nonlinear acts. This play portrays the kinds of struggles moderates face within the left and right wing political parties in India. Two such moderates, Malati and Praveen, have had opposing political views since their days growing up together in a village, but enjoyed a romantic relationship. Despite his love for politics, Praveen’s dream has always been to become a Bollywood actor. He sees his own life events and that of others in the form of songs and dances. His life is surrounded by fellow politicians, family, a mistress, and his own business. The play explores the voices of rich, middle-class, and poor people, obstacles within families for women in politics, and extreme political rhetoric. The main question is whether moderates like Praveen and Malati can survive in a country polarized by divisive campaigns, in their own parties infested with extreme fundamentalist ideology, and with the centrist agenda of minority appeasement.