Irvine Iqbal: Audiences expect to see themselves reflected on stage

Chopra’s DDLJ-inspired musical Come Fall In Love makes the case for representation as it premieres on Broadway with 17 South Asian actors

Not too long ago, Aditya Chopra had said that Indian films and western musical theatre are “two long-lost lovers separated in time”. The filmmaker has brought them together with Come Fall In Love, the Broadway adaptation of his iconic film, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). The musical that opened on September 14 marks many firsts for India — it’s not only the first Bollywood musical on Broadway, but also marks Vishal-Sheykhar’s debut in theatre. More importantly, 16 South Asian actors have made their Broadway debut with the production, a first for any musical on the platform.   

The adaptation sees Austin Colby and Shoba Narayan step into the shoes of Raj and Simran, two characters that have been immortalised by Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

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Narayan, who featured in the musical Aladdin, plays her ethnicity for the first time on stage. For the South Asian actors, it’s a matter of pride that the community is being authentically represented. Irvine Iqbal, who plays Simran’s father Baldev on stage, says, “When the South Asian community is one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the US, why would we not ensure that our theatres reflect this demographic? It’s increasingly clear that audiences are becoming more diverse and expect to see themselves reflected on our stages. The collective frustration of the American South Asian talent comes from not being able to have an audition to showcase their talents. We are either overlooked or invisible to many with the ability to effect change.”

Rupal Pujara, who plays Simran’s mother Lajjo, is glad to see that the character — essayed by Farida Jalal in the original — has got an update, in keeping with the evolving times. “In this version, Lajjo is not only a devoted wife and mother. She is also strong, soulful and fiercely witty,” she beams.

The show, which has got an extension and will play at the Old Globe till October 23, also champions diversity across its departments. Kinshuk Sen, who plays Kuljit in the musical, is glad to see the confluence of the East and the West. 

“Having lived in the US for almost a decade, I have almost always been the lone person of colour in every circle I have been a part of. So, to be a part of a team, where my voice is being represented and heard, means the world to me.” 

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