“Ghalib wrote more than 1,000 letters, giving intricate details about the British era and the Mughal influence,” says Azmi, who has read around 500 of these letters and “will read from 25 of these” at the performance. Conceptualized as a solo act, the play will have Azmi alone on the stage, writing and reading.

“It is from the letters that we learn that Ghalib was fiercely opposed to the 1857 revolution, especially the attacks on British women and children. On the other hand, he also attacked the British rule for its constant use of force on Indians,” Sayeed Alam of Pierrot’s Troupe. Pierrot’s Troupe has tackled Ghalib in several ways—from comedy (Ghalib In New Delhi) to musical (Ghalib)—but Ghalib Ke Khat could be the most significant part of its repertory. “This time, we hear Ghalib in his own words,” says Alam.

Ghalib Ke Khat will be performed at Alliance Francaise on February 8. at 7:00 pm, Ghalib In New Delhi will be held at Shri Ram Centre on February 14. Ghalib will be staged at Shri Ram Centre on February 15.