Hyderabad’s Bias Czech Theater steps in with a medley of Manto stories

Software meets stage as Hyderabad-based Nikhil Ahuja is set to debut as a theater director. After working in the IT industry for 15 years, he recently turned to professional theater by launching his own group, Bias Czech Theatre. group’s inaugural production ‘Shehr-e-Manto’: A journey through the serious satires of Saadat Hasan Manto It will be staged at Lamakan and Rangbhoomi Space on 23rd and 30th May.

part of life

All set: cast and crew Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The play brings to life three different stories and perspectives of Manto and is presented in a light-hearted manner. “They are everyday stories that offer a slice of life,” says Nikhil of these stories staged in his hometown Delhi. “Manto’s work remains extremely relevant, and we wanted to bring that honesty to a local audience.” Although he wants to keep the names of the stories surprising, the production is extremely personal as Nikhil first read and rehearsed these stories when he started with theatre.

Nikhil Ahuja Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Nikhil’s interest in theater started with a workshop organized by Asmita Theater Group in Delhi three years ago. A professional shift to Hyderabad kept the passion alive as he worked with Kissago, Samahara and Echoes of Drama in various roles, including directing a brief production for Dramanon’s SKiTS 2026, a 12-minute short drama festival.

After exploring various theater departments, he left Tech to pursue his passion. “People think that designing a product depends on mathematical principles, but creativity is the core of the process. Just as multiple teams work together to create a play, multiple elements are seamlessly integrated to create a complete application/product,” he says, reflecting his dual interests. He also busted a myth: “People think that software professionals don’t have time to nurture their creative potential, but with a little balance, anyone can find time to do what they love.”

Rehearsal session Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The group’s name Bias Check is coined to reflect their aim of showcasing stories from multiple perspectives: “We look at every discussion from another perspective to keep our ‘bias’ in check.”

‘Shehr-e-Manto’: A journey through the serious satires of Saadat Hasan Manto will be staged on May 23 and 30 at Lamkan and Rangbhoomi Space; Tickets: BookMyShow