Shaheen Parkar shaheen@ mid- day. com My first reaction was, me as Kasturba Gandhi? Why me?u201d laughs Zeenat Aman, recounting her surprise when approached to step into the shoes of Mahatma Gandhiu2019s wife for the play, Dearest Bapu, Love Kasturba. As she returns to theatre after over 15 years, the veteran actor has an author- backed role at hand u2014 the English play, which premieres in the city on February 21, takes a look at the coupleu2019s 60- plus- year marriage against the backdrop of Indiau2019s freedom struggle.

u201c We donu2019t know much about the Mahatmau2019s wife. This project provides a fascinating insight as the story is from her point of view. I took up the offer as I had a lot of time on hand,u201d she says. Over the three- month rehearsals, she admits that her skepticism about the casting gave way to a deep respect for her muse. u201c[ Once I wore] the white khadi saree, and sported grey hair and spectacles, I was excited.u201d The actor adds that she has deliberately kept sons Zahaan and Azaan away from the rehearsals. u201c I canu2019t wait to see their reaction on the opening night!u201d Writer- director Saif Hyder Hasan agrees that Aman u2014 who, in her heydays, was known for infusing oomph into her characters u2014 is an unconventional choice for the role. u201c Casting against type is interesting.