Some artists perform. Safdar Hashmi provoked. A playwright, poet, and activist, he didn’t just tell stories—he fought battles with them. As the founder of Jana Natya Manch (JANAM), he wielded theatre as a weapon, crafting bold, politically charged performances that laid bare corruption, inequality, and exploitation during Indira Gandhi's era.
His art was defiant. And on 1 January 1989, he paid the ultimate price for it—murdered mid-performance for daring to speak truth to power.
In this dramatised episode of Qisse Kahaniyaan, the spirit of Safdar Hashmi returns—his voice, his struggle, his unwavering fire—brought to life through a powerful performance.
As Safdar narrates his story alternating with Alif's storytelling, we trace the journey of a man who never backed down.
Was Safdar Hashmi merely a playwright, or the voice of a revolution?
His words ignited minds, his stage was the streets, and his legacy still echoes.
Tune in to hear his story.
Anchor & Script: Athar Rather
Voice of Safdar Hashmi: Siddharth Sarathe
Sound Design: Athar Rather
Executive Producers: Ritu Kapur, Shelly Walia