Rohit Soni essays Sant Ravidas in Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein. What makes the role special to him is its closeness to Kabir’s thought.

“The character I am playing in this play is Sant Ravidas. What makes this role particularly special is that the thoughts and philosophies of Sant Ravidas and Sant Kabir were very similar. The lessons and wisdom we learn from Kabir are equally reflected in the teachings of Ravidas,” he said.

Having played Sufi saints and spiritual figures in the past, he found his way into this part without much strain.

“The ultimate purpose of all Sufi and saintly teachings is to lead people towards the truth. The paths may be different, but the destination is the same. That’s why understanding and connecting with this character wasn’t particularly difficult for me,” he said.

Asked about the scene that stayed with him, he shared: “There is a scene in the play where Sant Ravidas is thrown out of his house by his father because he used to wander through the streets with Kabir and his companions, singing devotional songs. Someone complains about this to Ravidas’s father, which makes him so angry that he asks Ravidas to leave the house. However, Kabir and the other members of his group stand by him, support him, and provide him with emotional strength during this difficult time.”

Months of rehearsal seep into life beyond the stage. “Naturally, when you immerse yourself in someone’s philosophy for such a long time, it begins to influence your own life as well. You inevitably try to imbibe some of those values and teachings because they are rooted in goodness and truth,” he said.

Theatre, in one word? “Happiness,” he said.

The one lesson he takes from Kabir: “No matter what happens or how difficult the circumstances become, one should always stand by the truth,” he shared.

Why should today’s generation watch the play? “Because the problems that existed in the 15th century are still present in our society today. Even now, in the name of religion, we continue to witness hypocrisy, discrimination and social divisions. That is what makes this play so relevant even today. It holds up a mirror to society and makes us reflect on ourselves. I genuinely believe everyone should watch this play,” he said.