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Remembering the Legacy of Safdar Hashmi: A Pioneer in Indian Street Protest Theatre

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Street Theatre has been one of the earliest forms of theatre. Traditionally, artists have taken to the streets to express an opinion, make a socio- political commentary and inform the masses in laymen terms- their revolutionary ideas. One pioneer in this respect who took the Indian Street Protest Theatre scene to a recognisable level beyond a mere crowd was Safdar Hashmi. Theatre has always been a way of staging protests and illustrating to the layman, a message in an artistic rendition that they might not in lack of suspended disbelief, otherwise register. The year was 1973, when Hashmi, then a 19-year old, founded the theatre group Jana Natya Manch (JANAM Theatre) with fellow amateur theatre practitioners. With an aim to take the theatre to the masses, Hashmi came from a family inspired by liberal values and Marxist thought. He started theatre in college with IPTA (Indian People's Theatre Association) and left his government job as a lecturer after the period of the Emergency- in order to dedicate all his time to theatre. Janam has performed several plays under his leadership like ‘Gaon se Shahar Tak’, ‘Hatyare’, ‘Apharan Bhaichare Ke’, ‘Teen Crore’, ‘Aurat’, ‘DTC ki Dhandhli’, among many others.

  Safdar and Janam Actors in Aya Chunav, Hissar
Image Courtesy: Jana Natya Manch


 Image Courtesy: Jana Natya Manch

 One of their plays that stands remembered to this day is 'Halla Bol'. 'Halla Bol' was more than just a play. It marked a very significant event in the history of protest theatre. On the New Year of 1989, Jan 1, Safdar Hashmi along with Janam were headed to Jhandapur village in Uttar Pradesh to perform their street play, 'Halla Bol'- a play staged resonating the rights of workers- supporting the workers' demands led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions. A story of intolerance and dirty political power play, a Congress-backed violent mob and set of goons attacked the artists and disrupted the staging. One of the actors (a candidate standing in an opposing party) was shot and several others beaten up. A 34-year old Hashmi attempted to reason with them, but was brutally attacked. He succumbed to his injuries the next day, shaking the nation with his untimely, gruesome and unfair death.

Thousands gather for Hashmi's funeral march
Image Courtesy: Jana Natya Manch

Janam, led by Moloyashree Hashmi returned to the same spot, less than 48 hours after his death, to complete the performance of 'Halla Bol' to honour his memory, his courage and his unwavering will to stand up for what he believed in. Thousands, gathered to mark this defiant act of courage. 


Janam stages 'Halla Bol' again on January 4, 1989. The woman on the extreme right is Moloyashree Hashmi.  
Image Courtesy: Jana Natya Manch


The Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) was set up in 1989 to promote the expression of creativity and freedom in arts. In April 2012, Janam set up Studio Safdar- a safe space to perform and hold workshops. Today, 30 years after his death, they continue to operate and perform on the streets and carry his legacy forward. Street Protest Theatre, especially as highlighted by Hashmi's legacy, was one without fear, a bold response to society, government, the issues we face today and an unwavering stand on what one believes in- irrespective of the ease of its perusal.



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