On 2nd August at Sri Ram Centre, Delhi, I got the opportunity to watch a play, ‘Kaali Shalwar’. It was presented by Unmask studio, and directed by Arjun Singh. A musical based on Manto’s story, Kaali Shalwar attempts to show a sex worker’s yearning for the black garment during Muharram. It symbolises her deep desire for respect and dignity amidst her harsh, transactional existence. The adaptation took an interesting approach to telling us this story.

In the dim light of the narrow street, where shadows cling to walls and secrets are whispered in hushed tones, Sultana navigates her life with a practised grace. The men who come and go are mere blurs, their faces indistinguishable, their names forgotten. She wears the best of her clothes, clothes that hide as much as they reveal, and the weight of the clothes seem to get heavier with each passing day.

As Muharram approaches, she finds herself dreaming of a kaali shalwar—one that is jet black, a symbol of mourning and respect. It is a way to honour and remember the sacrifices made by the Imam and his companion. It was not just a piece of clothing; it was a vessel for her deepest desires and a reflection of her inner yearning. It represents a world where she wants to be respected and be considered a part of the society around her.

The men who come to her, see only the surface, a woman draped in a faded version of what she longs for. They do not see the dreams she has, nor the desires she holds within her. ‘Kaali shalwar’ is a symbol of a desire not just for material beauty but for something deeper—a semblance of respect, a fleeting touch of solemnity, a chance to partake in the rituals that others take for granted.

Each encounter is a transaction, stripped of tenderness, wrapped in necessity. Their eyes seldom see her; they see only what she represents—a fleeting escape from their own discontent. She is a mirror for their desires, but their gaze rarely meets hers. They are brief visitors in her world, and she is a permanent resident in theirs.

She remembers a time when dreams of love and respect were more than just a fantasy. Her mother had once spoken to her of a life where respect and affection weren’t bought and sold. But those dreams have long since faded, replaced by the harsh reality of survival. Yet, amidst this harsh reality, the desire for the black Muharram garment persists as a symbol of her rebellion against the world’s disregard.

Amidst the transactional nature of her life, there are moments of unexpected connection. A shared laugh, a kind word from a stranger, a fleeting sense of belonging—these were her small rebellions against a world that tries to dehumanise her. She is a woman with a past, a present, and a future that she can only dream of, embodied in the black kaali shalwar she longs for Muharram.

The pacing of the play was effective as it mirrored the slow unravelling of the thoughts of Sultana, the sex worker, allowing the audience to feel her growing desperation. I found it interesting because of its focus on emotional depth and subtle shifts in the protagonist’s circumstances. There were certain unexpected moments , like a fleeting act of kindness from a client that momentarily disrupts her hardened outlook. Also, at one point in the play, the sudden denial of the black garment she so yearns for, further intensifies her inner conflict.

Kaali Shalwar explored several deep and resonant themes like, the desire for dignity and respect and societal hypocrisy. It delved into how society treats women like Sultana, who are sex workers, offering them condemnation while exploiting their vulnerability. It also beautifully portrayed the idea of isolation and connection. As a member of the audience, I could witness the fleeting moments of human connection, whether through small kindnesses or shared laughter, that highlighted her internal experience of isolation.

After the play, there was complete silence in the theatre as if the audience were taking a moment to reflect on Sultana’s pain or longing, especially related to her desire for the black garment. There were some intellectual discussions happening in small groups about the social issues raised, such as gender inequality, the stigma surrounding sex work, and the moral contradictions of society.

Plays like Kalli Salwar act as mirrors to societal stigmas, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by women of marginalized identities. They challenge audiences to confront ingrained biases and reflect on the moral contradictions within society.

In this version, the black garment for Muharram becomes a powerful symbol of her inner yearnings and the respect and dignity she longs to reclaim, juxtaposed with the reality of her daily struggles.