Zafar Karachiwala directs his first play

Theatre actor Zafar Karachiwala is making his directorial debut with a new play, Deepali S Dhingra finds out more...
If there’s one thing theatre actor Zafar Karachiwala has been wanting to do for a long time, it’s to direct a play. “I formed a company in 2008 and was going to direct one at that time, but it never happened as I was too busy vis-a-vis acting projects,” says the actor, who’s been part of plays like Class of 84, Sammy and Chaos Theory.
But now, his dream of turning director is coming true with Pereira’s Bakery at 76 Chapel Road. The play, written by Ayeesha Menon is part of the Writer’s Bloc Festival organised by Rajat Kapur, Shernaz Patel and Rahul da Cunha. “I had winded up my acting assignments when this opportunity came my way,” says Zafar, “I know the writer quite well and I knew this would be a great platform to make my debut with.”
The play, based in Mumbai, is something Zafar says he could ralate with. “It focusses on a small community who is faced with the threat of being dislodged from where they stay. Ayeesha and I were on the same page as far as the play was concerned and so far, it’s been a great journey.”
The rehearsals for the play have made him realise what a great process direction is. “It’s great to help actors figure out their characters or scenes. It’s still work in progress but it’s a very satisfying feeling to put together something and see it taking shape,” he says. Does being an actor make him a better director? “I don’t think so. I’ve seen some brilliant directors who’ve never acted, so it would be unfair to say that,” he replies, and adds that it is 50 per cent his effort and the rest, the cast.
Speaking about the cast, the play will see an interesting ensemble of actors like Hidaayat Sami, Darius Shroff, Sohrab Ardeshir, Deepika Amin, Digvijay Sawant, Tahira Nath, Nisha Lalvani, Hussein Dalal, Vinit Sharma and Karan Mally. It also stars Zafar’s wife Ahlam Khan-Karachiwala. “It’s a great working relationship we share,” says Zafar, “For the four-five hours that we’re rehearsing, she’s an actress and I’m the director. It’s very professional.” Now that he’s experienced direction, would there be more of that in the future? “I definitely hope so! It’s like a drug, an addiction. I’d definitely want that high again!” he says with a smile. The play will take place at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu on January 11, 7 pm and 9 pm.