Satyadev Deubey's play "It Could Only Happen in London"

Satyadev Deubey's play "It Could Only Happen in London"

Sumedha Raikar-Mhtre catches up with veteran playwright Satyadev Deubey, whose latest English play It Could Only Happen In London opened at Prithvi last week. Dubey has not only written and directed the play, but plays a lead role in it. He talks about how he conceived the production and why he will now restrict himself to writing assignments, including his autobiography

Dubey says that this play signifies the end of his production work in theatre. "I think I have had enough of organisation, casting, set design and other hassles. With the changing profile of Mumbai and its suburbs, these aspects have become even more time-consuming and costly than ever before. I would now like to stick to writing," he says. Dubey is currently working on a Hindi mythological play, a comedy on feudal sex fantasies and yet another Hindi play, with an unsavoury, taboo title. "Knowing the censors, I have checked its dictionary meaning. I think I will be able to retain the title," he does not forget to add. Meanwhile, he is also working on his autobiography with a tentative title of Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don't, which is likely to be splashed on the Internet shortly.

Dubey has been said to indulge in light entertainment in his recent productions, which stand in contrast with his earlier serious plays. He is accused of bringing too much of himself into his plays, be it his thoughts or biases. Dubey retorts to that in his characteristic style, "Despite the good food we eat, we sit on the potty every day. Likewise, there is a funny and serious side to life. Why can't write a romantic comedy like Bekaar... or a different love story like It Could... I like to surprise friends by trying out different genres. And the question of bringing myself and my beliefs in my plays, I find it but natural. Apart from anyone else, I have studied myself very well. So my beliefs, biases, fears, complexes and feelings are bound to crop up," he enunciates.