"JAB SHEHAR HAMARA SOTA HAI" is one of Piyush Mishra's most celebrated stage plays. It was first performed in the early 1990s with actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Gajraj Rao, and Ashish Vidyarthi associated with its early productions.
DIRECTED BY - HITENDRASINH ZALA
The play is often described as an Indian adaptation inspired by Romeo and Juliet and also draws from the gang-conflict structure of West Side Story.
Core Plot Two rival gangs/groups—often called Khanjar and Faniyar (or Fanihar)—are locked in a bitter struggle over territory and power. Amid this violence, Abhaas falls in love with Tarana, who belongs to the opposing side. Their love attempts to bridge hatred, but the conflict spirals into tragedy.
Major Themes Love versus hatred
Violence and inherited enmity
Feudal and communal mindsets
Humanity in a brutal society
Whether love can survive in a world shaped by revenge and power struggles.
Why Theatre People Love It What makes the play special isn't just the story—it's the language. Piyush Mishra's writing mixes:
Street realism
Poetic dialogue
Dark humor
Political undertones
Musical and lyrical elements
Many of his famous songs, including early versions of Ghar and themes that later influenced works like Husna, have roots in his theatre writing period.
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Jab Shehar Hamara Sota Hai is a gripping theatrical masterpiece by Piyush Mishra that explores love, violence, power, and the fragile hope of humanity. Set against the backdrop of two rival gangs locked in a relentless cycle of hatred, the story follows Abhaas and Tarana—two souls who dare to fall in love despite the divisions that surround them.
As the city sleeps, secrets awaken. Loyalties are tested, friendships are shattered, and love stands face-to-face with revenge. Through powerful poetry, intense drama, unforgettable characters, and soul-stirring music, the play takes audiences on an emotional journey that is as relevant today as ever.
Raw, poetic, and deeply moving, Jab Shehar Hamara Sota Hai is not just a play—it is an experience that challenges the heart and lingers long after the curtain falls.
Will love survive in a world built on fear and hatred, or will the city claim another tragic story before dawn?
Duration: [ 100 mins ] Language: Hindi Genre: Drama | Romance | Tragedy | Musical Theatre
This powerful production is presented by BACKSTAGE PRODUCTIONS, bringing one of modern Indian theatre's most celebrated works to life for a new generation of audiences.