Print

    Tum Kaun: Exploring Shared Identities across the India-Pakistan Border

    Play 'Tum Kaun' at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2015 Karachi

    Written by: Madiha Shekhani
    Posted on: March 30, 2015 | | 中文

    Cast of the play 'Tum Kaun'

    The remarkably successful NAPA International Theatre Festival produced yet another smashing success – 'Tum Kaun’, which not only left the audience in fits of laughter, but simultaneously made them rethink their clichéd views about their neighboring country, India. The play seamlessly portrayed the psychological and stereotypical boundaries dividing the Indians and Pakistanis, perfectly embellished with tinges of humor, satire and drama.  

    Zain Ahmed, faculty member at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and director of 'Tum Kaun, introduced the play as an endeavor that became possible after a year's struggle by actors from both sides of the border. Out of the many themes that exist in the vacuum between the two countries, they chose to focus on identity. As the director so effortlessly and aptly described, “We wanted to portray how we Pakistanis view ourselves, and how we view the other; our so-called enemy”.  These ideas were molded within the setting of a wedding, a seminal event that brings to light the plethora of similarities between the two nationalities and cultures.  

    Play 'Tum Kaun' at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2015 Karachi

    Adorned with vibrant fairy lights and marigold flowers, giving the common vision of a wedding in both countries, the set immediately struck a chord in the hearts of the audience. The story revolves around an arranged marriage between two main characters, Rubab from Karachi, and Adil from Delhi. Strangers from different sides of the border, they are only aware of the typical stereotypes about each other’s cities. The story unravels as the extremely anxious Rubab tells her best friend that she only agreed to the marriage because she did not want to disappoint her parents. How could she marry a man who lived all the way in Delhi and of whom she knew nothing about?

    With the mesmerizing set and the classic Bollywood songs, the play perfectly captured the essence, beauty and exhilaration of wedding ceremonies in both cultures. Each character brought to the stage a twist of their own, as their emotional and dramatic escapades were pierced with candid humor that was repeatedly applauded by the audience.

    Play 'Tum Kaun' at NAPA International Theatre Festival 2015 Karachi

    The play tapped into several significant themes that were relatable to people from either side of the border. Socially and historically constructed stereotypes that Indians and Pakistanis have about Karachi were perfectly woven in the fabric of the story. The bride's best friend is sternly warned by her mother about the dangers of Karachi, with statements like “Aray bombs, muggings, kidnappings, shady people; it is no place to visit!” In the same setting, the groom's best friend realizes that apparently it is not safe to be an Indian in Karachi.         

    A decorative clip from the play

    While highlighting the misconceived differences between the two populations, the play effortlessly depicted the often ignored and untapped layers of similarities between the two, ranging from overlapping traditions and rituals to touching love stories. Most importantly, it conveyed that the most effective way to bridge this ill-founded barrier between people on either side of the border is through the arts. The director marvelously summed up this idea by expressing to the audience how wonderful an experience preparing for this play had been, since on that stage, “they weren't Indians or Pakistanis, but were simply artists”.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021