Feroz Abbas Khan

Biography:

Feroz Abbas Khan, an eminent figure in Indian theatre and film, has left an indelible mark as a director, playwright, and screenwriter. Renowned for his impactful productions, he has directed notable plays such as “Mughal-e-Azam,” “Saalgirah,” “Tumhari Amrita” (1992), “Salesman Ramlal,” and “Gandhi Viruddh Gandhi.”

As the first artistic director of Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre, Khan played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape. In 1983, he spearheaded the Prithvi Theatre Festival alongside Jennifer Kapoor and Akash Khurana. His early productions, including “All the Best” and “Saalgirah” (1993) with Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher, showcased his directorial prowess.

A significant milestone in his career was the adaptation of A. R. Gurney’s play “Love Letters” into Urdu as “Tumhari Amrita” (1992). Starring Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh, the play’s success spanned 21 years, touring globally, including performances in the US, Europe, and Pakistan.

Khan’s contributions to Indian theatre continued with productions like Peter Shaffer’s “The Royal Hunt of the Sun” and the contemporary adaptation of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” titled “Salesman Ramlal” (1997), featuring Satish Kaushik.

In 2007, Feroz Abbas Khan ventured into filmmaking with “Gandhi, My Father,” receiving critical acclaim. The film, based on his play “Mahatma vs Gandhi,” earned accolades, including a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Darshan Zariwala.

To avoid confusion with another Bollywood figure, he added Abbas as his middle name in 2007. Khan’s iconic plays, “Salesman Ramlal” and “Tumhari Amrita,” continued to captivate audiences and were performed for over two decades until Farooque Shaikh’s passing in 2013.

In 2016, Khan directed the Broadway-style musical “Mughal-e-Azam,” a spectacular adaptation of the 1960 Bollywood film. Jointly produced by Shapoorji Pallonji Group and the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the musical showcased Khan’s commitment to grand storytelling.