No Gangsters, No Mobsters, Just Pure Comic Chaos!
Gulzar’s 2 by 2 was a laugh riot that had me rolling in the aisles. It’s a reminder that good theatre, the oldest form of entertainment known to man, can still beat out the world of OTT platforms (Over-the-Top streaming services).
I went to see this play with no research or expectations, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. Based on William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, The Comedy of Errors, this play promised side-splitting laughter and delivered it. The 16th century play has been adapted for screen and stage many times across the world.
Written in Hindi by India’s revered poet and writer, Gulzar, and directed and designed by the renowned Mohammed Salim Arif, the play was staged by the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts Repertory Company in Delhi.
Gulzar has the rare distinction of having received an Oscar Academy Award, Grammy Award, The Sahitya Akademy Award, The Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the recent Gyanpeeth Award for his contribution in Literature, Lyrics and Films.
The Plot Thickens (or Thins Out, Depending on How You Look at It)
Gulzar’s 2 by 2, designed and directed by Salim Arif
The play revolved around two sets of identical twins who are separated at birth by fate, only to be reunited later by another twist of fate.
Both sets of twins shared the same names: Ashok and Bahadur. A wealthy merchant, Raj Tilak, had identical twin sons named Ashok. This couple also found another pair of twins and named them both Bahadur.
Then, misfortune struck, and an accident tore the families apart. One Ashok grew up to be a married man with a wife named Sudha and sister-in-law Tanuja. His helper, Bahadur, was married to Prema. The other Ashok remained a bachelor, while Bahadur (also a bachelor) developed a fondness for bhaang, a cannabis-based beverage.
Gulzar’s 2 by 2, designed and directed by Salim Arif
One fateful day, the bachelor twins, Ashok and Bahadur, arrived in the city where the married Ashok and Bahadur lived. This unexpected encounter set off a hilarious chain of mistaken identities that left everyone confused and bewildered. The families, along with a jeweller, his assistant, a taxi driver (or perhaps a cycle rickshaw driver?), and an inspector, all became entangled in this comical chaos.
A Time Capsule of Laughter
Fans of classic Hindi cinema can take a trip down memory lane with this play, which echoes the comedic masterpiece Angoor (1982), also written and directed by Gulzar. Starring Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma, Angoor was another side-splitting take on “The Comedy of Errors.” Before Angoor, Gulzar adapted it for the movie, Do Dooni Chaar (1968), starring Kishore Kumar.
2 by 2 offered a flawless performance, with exceptional acting from both the lead and supporting cast. For me, Pranav Srivastava as Bahadur was outstanding. The set design and dialogue seamlessly blended with the modern era, making the story both relatable and hilarious.
The play was a delightful evening out. From the perfectly synchronized performances to the witty dialogue and charming set design, 2 by 2 was a celebration of good theatre at its finest.
About the director
Mohammed Salim Arif, an alumnus of National School of Drama, New Delhi, has been part of many Bollywood and TV projects and is a visiting faculty for many film and theatre institutes. He is currently the Resident Director for Arts and Culture at the Matrix Club,Naperville,Chicago. US. His critically acclaimed plays like Tajmahal Ka Tender, Kharaashein, Tera Bayaan Ghalib and more have been staged in India and abroad. He is the recipient of many awards including the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Vishwa Hindi Akademy’s Hindi Sewa Samman and and more. Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj, Gulzar’s Mirza Ghalib, Chanakya by Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi earned Salim Arif the label of a ‘Period Designer’ with a difference.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with
Growing with Nemit.
Queen of Treasures 
I have enjoyed the book by Shakespeare and this play 2 by 2 reminds me of Angoor- the Hindi movie. Angoor is a 1982 Hindi comedy where double trouble ensues when two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, meet as adults leading to hilarious mistaken identities. That too was directed by Gulzar Sahib and was inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”.
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This is one of my all-time favourites, both the Shakespeare one and the Bollywood remake, Angoor! Your review resonates with me. Hope they perform in Bengaluru too.
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You could keep track on bookmyshow! and I hope you do get to see it, it’s just fantastic performance.
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Angoor is one of my all time favs adaptations of Comedy of Errors. Your review makes me feel the play is equally enjoyable and a laughter ride. Hope I get to see it someday
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I hope you do get to see it!
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The plot reminded me of my all time favourite Bollywood movie ‘Angoor’. I can watch it even today without taking any break;)
As you said, this version of ‘Comedy of Errors’ did justice to the famous play, I’ll try to catch up.
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I have heard of Angoor but never saw it, also of the Comedy of Errors, and have not watched a play based on it. So, not much to contribute here, from my experience, but thank you for sharing your fun moments.
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Comedy of errors was part of my English Literature and I have performed myself in a couple of Shakespeare’s dramas. Angoor is a classic adaptation. I have rarely seen any dramas. You seem to have enjoyed it to the fullest. I wish to watch plays in Hyderabad. Lets see if I get the chance to do so.
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I had no idea Gulzar adapted ‘The Comedy of Errors’ into ‘2 by 2’! I’m so glad you enjoyed the play! It must be amazing to see such talented actors bring it to life.
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Wow It indee sounds like a real laugh riot and a great way to spend an evening. I totally agree that good theatre can still beat OTT platforms any day. I’m also a huge fan of Gulzar’s work, and it’s amazing how he’s still bringing fresh comedy to the stage, Gulzar’s touch must have made it even more special.
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It’s been a long time since i’ve been to a theatre (probably pre-covid) but this post just inspired me to make an effort to go check out some plays. This comedy of errors sounds hilarious, and written by someone like Gulzar i’m sure it must have been a laugh riot. Thanks for inspiring me to reconnect with my old hobbies.
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Good theatre is such a relaxing way to spend the evening. Do go ahead for a good play.
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Theater is something I explored a lot in my college days in Kolkata (Graduation period) but mostly were in Bengali and few in English. But yes I remember that I watched Shakespeare in Love in theaters and managed to understand to some extent first of all because of not being a literature student and 2ndly for not being fond of English movies. Anyways but what and how you described about this 2 by 2 of Gulzar it indeed tempted me to watch this play. You know Ambica you are a women of multi dimensional talent…. If I start counting I am sure to get long list of qualities you hold but with Zero attitude… that’s why I like you for being simple, humble and still with elegance and zero showoff. Much love for you Ambica
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ha. ha..you are meeting me digitally and in my old age, the younger me was totally different . But thank you for the appreciation.
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Gulzar Sahab seems to have quite the fascination for sets of twins and their mistaken identities. I watched Angoor when I was quite young but I do remember it being funny… so I am not surprised that this work of his is similar.
It’s nice to know that you enjoyed the play Ambica, it must have been hilarious… would’ve loved to watch it too but for now I will settle with watching Angoor if it’s available on OTT. Nice movie it was.
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It was a fantastic production.
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I have read The Comedy of Errors so many times and I loved Angoor. I didn’t know there was an adaptation by Gulzar too. I will surely try to watch it if thy are still performing in Delhi.
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I DON’T KNOW when they are going to perform again in Delhi, but bookmyshow is a good way to keep track.
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I haven’t caught a play in the longest time. 2 by 2 would have been such a treat! The Comedy of Errors is a timeless story. Can’t go wrong with it. Lost count of the times I have read it. Both as required learning and otherwise.
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I also went for a play after ages. It’s such a relief from the digital world and this was a fantastic production as well.
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I’ve watched Angoor many times and it never gets old! The innocence with which every character is played out makes it fun and interesting throughout. Seeing a play on the same story must surely be fun. Its been a while since I went to the theatre. Will check out if I can catch a show too. Sounds good.
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ok I may sound absolutely foolish but here I am. I have never watched any theatre! That too when my college was beside Mandi House. Will make a conscious effort to watch this one.
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I dont remember the last time I went for a theatre show, but reading this brings back memories. You are right, the experience does not compare to watching something on tv. I hope more theatre comes near me and I can catch such great shows too.
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You gotta love a good comical play. I always found twins to be super interesting since they are always connected intuitively.
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I have never heard Comedy of Errors before and I m not much of a play kind of a person. But I must say I m learning a lot of things after I start my blogging.
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I have already read the book by Shakespeare and this play 2 by 2 which basically similar the movie Angoor- the Hindi movie. I would love to watch that movie too as it was a great movie by hindi era and directed by Gulzar only. I would love to watch this 2 by 2 drama as this was replicate of the book. Thanks for such amazing review.
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Comedy of Errors was fun and Gulzar’s modern twist on the classic is both refreshing and entertaining. Looking forward to more such insightful reviews!
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i didn’t get a chance to watch theatre or plays. Butbi am glad I have read the book The Comedy of errors many a times. Your post has encouraged me to read the book again.
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I prefer live performences whether it is singing, stand up comedy shows coz they give a nice experience I think it this show you watched must have been great.
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