‘Ek Lamhaa Zindagi’ brings a poignant love story to stage at Kolkata Centre for Creativity

An evocative evening of theatre unfolded at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity with the staging of Ek Lamhaa Zindagi – A Love Story 1938–1979, a deeply personal and moving production inspired by the real-life love story of Juhi Babbar Soni’s grandparents.

Set against the backdrop of pivotal moments in India’s history, the play traced a relationship shaped by time, distance and national upheaval, while celebrating a love sustained through resilience, commitment and sacrifice.

Written, directed and performed by Juhi Babbar Soni, the production blended storytelling with poetry, shayari and emotional reflections, creating an intimate yet powerful theatrical experience for the audience.

The narrative explored themes of friendship, longing and devotion, weaving together personal memories with historical context. The performance also carried a strong theatrical legacy, being closely connected to veteran theatre personality Nadira Zaheer Babbar. Through its layered storytelling and heartfelt performance, the play celebrated the endurance of love across decades. Juhi Babbar Soni, a recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for her contribution to Indian arts, is a noted name in contemporary theatre. Alongside her stage work, she has appeared in films such as Faraaz, which premiered at the London Film Festival, as well as Aiyaary and Farrey, and the series The Great Shamsuddin Family on JioHotstar. The Kolkata performance added another memorable chapter to the play’s acclaimed run across India and abroad.