Theatre aficionado Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja was in a flurry during this interview. Her latest play Doctor Sukhi, Mareez Dukhi, an adaptation of 17th century French playwright, Moliere’s The Doctor in Spite of Himself, was due for release in Chennai within a fortnight. Founder, Producer, Director, Scriptwriter, Adapter, et al, Sushmaa helms THE (Tamil, Hindi, English) Theatrewalas, a new–age theatre group, formed in 2022.
She is currently working on 12 Angry Men with 14 actors. “First and foremost, I look for relatability, what connects with me, when selecting a movie or a play for a Hindi adaptation. All stories or human emotions are universal… only the location and names are different. It has been such an enjoyable journey — entering France and turning it into Faridabad!”
Sushmaa introduces, “our family has been deeply involved with theatre and films. Met my co-star, future husband quite by chance on New Year’s eve in 1968 when I was offered a small role in Mr. Abhimanyu. Since then, he has been the backbone of all my theatre activities. Our theatre journey together has been as long as our own relationship and continues to grow stronger every day.”
The Ahujas’ lives, since the past 55+ years, have constantly been about “plays, movies, scripts, rehearsals, theatre workshops etc. With an atmosphere like this, how could our three children stay untouched by this profession? Sourabh, Richa and Suhaas discovered their own passion for theatre, at an early age and continue their stage acting. They have performed in many plays, not just with me, but also with numerous theatre groups.”
C- 1975 Sushmaa as Marjina in the musical Alibaba, receiving audience accolades in Delhi.
R- Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja, 1976, 1977 Playing the title role in Yasmin opposite Raj Babbar.
In her theatrical repertoire, adaptations of famous global dramas stand out. Sushmaa elaborates, “I love to do adaptations. To me, it is like making other’s worlds mine. Have borrowed and adapted works of reputed names like Moliere, Roald Dahl, O’ Henry and Carlo Goldoni among others. A favourite was a Jewish story Der Milch Maan by Sholem Aleichem, which was later adapted as O’Neeli Chatri Wale. The musical inspired by Fiddler on the Roof was staged in Madras (Chennai) in 1988 with a cast and crew of 40, and received accolades from both the public and media.
After a good theatre career during the late 1960s through 1970s in Delhi, Sushmaa and Sudhir moved to Madras in 1978. Sushmaa took along a host of magnificent memories and a heart and head full of experience to this part of India where her mother tongue, Hindi, was considered an alien language. Taking the challenge, started Abhyuday, an amateur Hindi theatre group. Abhyuday’s presentations snowballed, attracting Madras Hindi theatre-starved audiences almost bereft of this form of entertainment.
Abhyuday entertained with Knjoos Makkhichoos, Bakree and other titles. Phandi was staged at the All India Theatre Festival under the auspices of the Trade Fair Authority of India. To their credit goes the fact that they staged three different genres of plays — satire, musical and semi-tragedy — performing the maximum number of plays with a common cast and one director — Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja. The honour bestowed on them was made even greater while sharing stage with the 1980s stalwarts — Sai Paranjpe, Satyadev Dubey, Shamanand Jalan, BV Karanth and the NSD.
Delving into her distant past, Sushmaa, already an A grade voice with All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi, and on the National Certified Circuit, recollects working with her generation of legendaries like Om Puri, Raj Babbar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Pankaj Kapoor, and Sushma Seth among others, and of course Sudhir Ahuja.
C- 2008 Directing Farah Khan for docu drama Der Na Ho Jaaye.
R – 2003 Directing Sridevi for serial Malini Iyer
On the stage, Sushmaa moved from one unforgettable role to another, beginning with a major part in the Punjabi play Gallan Pyaar Diyan. She continued freelancing with the Little Theatre Group (LTG). Was in Utpal Dutt’s Chayanat, a satire on the film industry. Roles which got her noticed by critics and theatregoers were as the lead in the stylised play, the Hindi adaptation and translation, Serai ke Malkin, based on an Italian comedy Mine Hostess. A step up was her role as Marjeena in Alibaba. Numerour title and lead female roles folled including in Yasmin and Mitro Marjani.
The role of Marjina in Ali Baba required an actress who could act, sing and dance. Sushmaa proved herself in all three fields. Next was as Yasmin based on the Spanish tragedy YERMA by Lorca, with Raj Babbar opposite her in the Punjabi musical adaptation followed by Habib Tanveer’s Sutradhar, and multifarious notable roles.
Sushmaa did not have any professional training in dramatics. She feels “I lacked something not having studied stagecraft. Fortunately, formed good working relationships with students and professors of Delhi’s National School of Drama (NSD), and during discussions imbibed theatrical knowledge.”
During her tenure with Delhi Art Theatre (DAT), Sushmaa recounts, “Founder Sheila Bhatia made me aware of music in speech and voice modulation. It was a significant learning experience.”
In Madras, after a sabbatical when her third child Suhaas was born, Sushmaa’s A Grade Voice from AIR was in great demand for Hindi dubbing assignments, including the pilot track for Rati Agnihotri in Ek Dujehe Ke Liye, and for Jaya Prada in Lok Parlok. This was the start of a career covering over 200 dubbed films in a span of 25 years.
“My breakthrough came thanks to Sri LV Prasad, founder of Prasad Productions where I joined as Assistant Director. Another experience was assisting Singeetham Srinivas Rao during Pushpak, and assisting Balu Mahendra with brushing up the script’s dialogues for Sadma.”
A great cast movie, Pyaar Mein Twist, starring Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Farida Jalal came next in 2006 with Sushmaa as a story, screenplay and dialogue writer. 2008 showcased her short film Der Na Hojaye as the official selection at the Barcelona Short Films Festival.
C- Ahuja Family in Mumbai in 2024. From left Sourabh, Ananya, Richa, Sushmaa, Suhaas and Sudhir
R- Sushmaa, Sudhir, Suhaas and Sourabh
The Ahuja family comprises oldest son Sourabh, still pursuing his love for writing. Daughter Richa, a trained actor, has performed in Chennai, Delhi and Paris. She acted in Ziddi and Uyirodu Uyiraga (Tamil). She currently works as a Creative Theatre Director at the Krishnamurthy Foundation International (KFI) school in Ojai, USA. Richa’s daughter, Ananya Badami, is studying Drama Major from Strasberg Institute at NYU Tisch. Suhaas is a known name in Mumbai as a musician-owner of his own Suhaas Ahuja Band, writer, director, actor and much-in-demand model in the advertising world. His films and serials include Talaash, Out of Love, Married Woman, POW and Archies etc.
Both Ahuja daughters-in-law are art designers for movies, advertising and theatre. Sapna has her fashion jewelry brand ESMERALDA. Shruti has been an art director and production designer for movies like Lunchbox, Sitaare Zameen Pe, Khoobsurat, Ayesha and Photograph etc.
Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja sums up her life,“Since my childhood, I have had only one dream — to sing, dance and act, and make audiences happy with my performances. Today, that dream has become a reality. I am living with so many likeminded people who are involved in my dream… comprising my immediate family, and strangers who have now become my extended family.”
And ends — “On a serious note, the need of the hour is for more people, corporate houses and philanthropists to step forward to promote theatre in India. Only passion and enthusiasm is not enough for the growth and progression of theatre. Now, though the family is busy in their respective professions and lives, I value their support and encouragement which has been my biggest strength… and I wish to continue with my theatre journey forever.”
Amita Sarwal
After practising homoeopathy for 10 years, Amita Sarwal changed her career path. Since 1973 she has been writing on lifestyle, personalities, architecture, interiors and travel. In Singapore, she was an Editor with Editions Didier Millet for pictorial encyclopedias, books and magazines. Her personal milestone continues to be The Spirit of SKV – Chronicle of a Girls’ School, to mark the Golden Jubilee (2006) of her alma mater, Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior. To showcase the exemplary work being done by Changemakers / Unsung Heroes, Amita now focuses on showcasing how they are elevating lives of socially disadvantaged.
A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks for the incredible introduction of the lady and couple I admire and am absolutely in awe of! You’ve captured not only their monumental body of work but also the indomitable spirit that fuels her brilliance so perfectly. The Ahuja, both as a couple and as individuals, are nothing short of treasures. They’re mentors, guides, and an endless source of inspiration for everyone lucky enough to cross their path.
And let’s not forget, beyond being genuinely wonderful humans, they possess a wealth of theatrical knowledge and skills so immense, it feels like standing under a waterfall of talent. To all of us fortunate enough to sip from that fountain, we’re not just blessed.. we’re downright spoiled! Thank you for crafting this intro so beautifully.. t truly does them justice!!
What a great write up covering the life journey of a very talented and inspiring personality. Sushmaji is really a true inspiration for many.
I know this creative soul for the last 40 Years, she is a genius but didn’t get tge right opportunities, great Actor, singer, Dancer and director, Long live Sushma Ahuja and keep doing brilliant work, cheers❤️❤️
Very inspiring story of Sushma Roshan Ahuja. Starting from her childhood desire for theatre, she has grown and greatly contributed to enriching theatre in Delhi and to introducing Hindi theatre in Chennai. Best wishes for her continued success in the future. Well done Sushma.
Maa Sush as we call her in our theater camp. Is an excellent artist and also a beautiful teacher and narrator. She bring out the acting talent from the kinds by teaching them the expressions and the methodology of acting. We thoroughly enjoy her training session so at the stage too.
Sushma Roshan Ahuja maam is full of life and great Theatre personality. You can learn a lot under her guidance. She is very sweet person I have met ever. Acting singing dancing all passions will be polished so much if you learn from her.
She is outstanding lady. There is Lot to. Know from her conversations and she is a great role model for. Us and inspiration for every generation.
So inspiring! The passion for the craft shows through every piece of work!💗
Beautifully paragraphed, par excellent & perfect worded is my first offered reaction. The writeup covers a detailed life of Sushma sharma to Sushma Ahuja with all Stars around her with common interest and perfect exposers. Life is a cycle writer has penned down so well that even a unknown person shall feel the touch and essentials of being close to Sushma
What a fantastic journey for Maa Sush as she is lovingly called by THE Theatrewalas family!
With an eye for detail and her assertiveness she has trained so many amateurs and polished their talent.
Kudos to the child and the Maa in her .
What an amazing person! Blessed to have worked with her! Despite so many accomplishments she is still grounded and encourages new talents.
I know Sushma ji for over five years now, she is an incredible person and her life and spirit still inspires me, I’m thrilled to see this interview highlighting her incredible journey in theater. it was so interesting to read about her in this article.. Looking forward to more such conversations.
Passion driven Sushmaa Roshan
This journey has been like a dream come true. I have seen so much devotion and passion in her work life. It has inspired so many people.
For me the take away is that perseverance is its own reward. I love her!!!
Superbly talented…she has a wonderful body of work!!!
A multi layered personality. Shushmaa comes across as a woman with a mission to entertain and bring a smile to all. From the stage to her personal life she has the ability to connect. In person she is a wonderful dignified friendly lady.
A beautiful read.
I was fortunate enough to have shared screen space with Sushmaji on television when we did a tv show together for a year in Mumbai. Have very fond memories of the time spent together on and off the sets. To read an in-depth article on her life and times as an artist is truly inspiring. Wish her all the very best in all her present and future endeavours.
And as I would fondly call her always, “Well done Susssmaaaaaaaa”.
A well written and informative article. Sushmaa is insanely talented in Theatre. For as long as I know Sushmaa she has had a passion for sharing/imparting her knowledge and skills with the young.
For all the accolades Sushmaa has received I am sure she faced a few challenges. The article could highlight a few of the challenges. So very, very proud of you Sushmaa, my dear friend.
Interesting perspective!
I have watched Sushma ji direct her last play Doctor Sukkhi Mareez Dukhi. I consider it my good fortune that I could be part of the production and help with the sound effects and stage setup. Over the weeks of practice, I found something new to understand and learn about the art of theatre every day. Sushma ji is a treasure trove where theatre is concerned. She has devoted her entire adult life to theatre in some form or the other and is still going strong. With her degrees in music and Urdu, she is indeed a blessing for this field and for those who aspire to shine in this field by training under her.
Sushma Ahuja is a brilliant and versatile actress who excels in a wide range of roles. We’ve admired her journey since her early days in Delhi, and I vividly remember watching her perform in numerous plays at Sapru House during my childhood. It’s truly inspiring to see her continuing this remarkable journey. I look forward to many more of her achievements in acting, directing, and writing!
Very strong credentials, very powerful woman , highly talented personality…my best wishes to you my darling ma’am… God bless you and your wonderful family with sound health,peace and prosperity 🙏
I am so so proud of my Buaji. And I know my dad would have had tears in his eyes reading this article. Mrs Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja you have accomplished so much in your life and you continue to inspire new and upcoming writers. Your gift of writing is truly unique. You are so many things Actor Writer Director Dancer and Mentor.
Miss Amita Sarwal has written this article with passion and integrity. I really enjoyed reading all about the amazing projects.
A great interview / piece on Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja that encapsulates her lifetime of work at the highest standard, a journey that still continues to this day. As her son, I couldn’t be any prouder.
What a vast repertoire of work, Sushmaji, and what a journey! Take a bow!
An inspiring journey and well documented. It is my privilege to get a chance to learn from a great mentor like Sushma ji.
Sushma ji I really feel proud that I know and met and associated with such a multitalented humble and down to earth personality
Stay blessed and explore more n more to satisfy yourselves
I am a call away for any support
Regards. Shashi Rawal
Mesmerising. These memoirs transcends into a different reason of creativity and your passion is so livid in some of those beautiful pictures. Your commitment is needed to reduce and instill a new zest into this Theatre art form. Wishing you, your family and above all, your theatre art all the best and hope to keep watching some of those shows in Chennai soon. Great going ma’am.
I am honored to know her personally and have had the pleasure to work with her as well. She is a great mentor. Her attention to detail is not something to be missed. She is excellent at her craft and continues to “wow” audiences with the recent plays that she puts up.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja and Sudhir Ahuja are the well renaunce names working in many plays and movies in Indian film Industry. I remember when I seen her play Alibaba in TV in 1970-80 period and till now they continue working leading rolls in movies and plays alongwith good actors and Directors.
Amita Sarwal’s refined tribute to Sushmaa Roshan Ahuja’s remarkable journey in theatre & films is seamlessly woven befitting her artistry, grace, and range in this field.
Sushmaa’s transition from theatre to films only deepens her already impressive understanding of both fields, while one demands vocal clarity and physicality, the other requires intimacy of the camera gaze. Sushmaa excels in both as I have been fortunate to experience the nuances the art in both cinema and theatre direction.
Amit’s Sarwal skilled understanding of Sushmaa’s versatility and personality is evident through out in this well crafted writing.
It’s so wonderful to read about Sushmaa ji’s vast creative journey. I feel privileged to know her personally thanks to my daughter and husband’s association with her group THE Theatrewalas in Chennai.
She is a powerhouse of talent and a great mentor to not only her actors but also their families. Love you, Sushmaa Ji. More power to you!
I am privileged to call the Ahujas family. They are not only such a talented bunch, but the sweetest ‘friends like family’ that we know since many many years.
I was also lucky to work under the direction of Shushma aunty many years ago and it was one of my most memorable experiences ever.
Congratulations Sushma ji and Amita ji.Sushmaji for your journey and achievements. And Amita ji for penning it down so beautifully
A beautiful article eloquently written that encompasses Sushmaji’s life, family and work. The writer has captured the essence of Sushmaji’s love for theatre. Having gotten the privilege to work with her I have witnessed her rare talent and extraordinary passion for theatre. As a director she has the rare quality of bringing the best out of her actors.
Sushmaji could easily own up the lines, “vini vidi venci”. I came i saw i conquered. She not only owns the world of stage but also the hearts of all those who come to know her. She mentors with such care that the inner self gets connected to the art and the actor and the stage become one. When one of her old friends commented that in the prtrayal of ‘Matko’ in Dr. Sukkhi, they could see Sushma all the way, I was thrilled! I had a constant complain that she did not tell me what to do! And in the end I did what she would do!!! Magic! She is pure magic and Sudhirji is her mpuntain of magic dust. Thank you for this lovely bio Amita Sarwal!