New Delhi, September 5, 2025. The Sammukh Auditorium at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, witnessed a powerful confluence of literature and theatre with the staging of two acclaimed stories by Senior Poet–Novelist, Director of Vishwarang, and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, Sh. Santosh Choubey—*Unke Hisse Ka Prem* and Garibnawaz. The plays were directed by veteran theatre director Devendra Raj Ankur and presented by Sambhav Art Group, Delhi, under the aegis of Vanmali Srijan Peeth.

Sh. Santosh Choubey, celebrated for his profound and sensitive contribution to Hindi literature and theatre, has carved a niche through his exploration of human emotions and the complexities of contemporary society. His stories, marked by simplicity of language and depth of expression, continue to inspire both readers and performers.

In Unke Hisse Ka Prem, the fragmented relationships and emotional struggles of an institutional boss are revealed through the unique perspectives of inanimate objects—his desk, pen, chair, diary, and mirror. By transforming these objects into living witnesses, Shri Santosh Choubey’s pen captures the poignancy of solitude and the delicate nuances of human vulnerability.

Garibnawaz, on the other hand, starkly contrasts capitalist success with the resilience of the working class. The clash between Vishwamohan’s opulent BPO office—symbol of globalized affluence—and the modest yet spirited Garibnawaz Chicken Shop next door, becomes a metaphor for the strength of labor and grassroots survival. Here, Sh. Santosh Choubey incisively exposes the paradoxes of urban politics, unauthorized encroachments, and local power nexus.

The stage came alive through remarkable performances by Nidhi Mishra, Gauri Dewal, Rachita Verma, Amitabh Srivastava, Amit Saxena, Prakash Jha, Harikesh Maurya, and Sahaj Harjai. The evocative musical design by Rajesh Singh and Sahaj Harjai, complemented by the lighting design of Raghav Prakash Mishra, intensified the impact of the narratives. The evening was skillfully anchored by Vikrant Bhatt, Associate Director of Tagore Theatre School.

Adding a visual dimension, an exhibition based on the works and books of Shri Santosh Choubey was curated by Prashant Soni, Vikrant Bhatt, Upendra Patne, and Yogesh Kumar. The Sammukh Auditorium was packed with an enthusiastic audience, who responded with admiration for this rare blending of literature and performance.

Without relying on elaborate sets or theatrical gimmicks, the evening reaffirmed that the strength of theatre lies in the richness of writing and the precision of direction. The pen of Sh. Santosh Choubey and the direction of Devendra Raj Ankur together proved that great stories are as alive on stage as they are in the imagination of the reader.

The Sahitya Akademi auditorium in Delhi recently hosted the grand launch of senior poet, storyteller, and Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University Santosh Choubey’s much-awaited short story collection “Gareebnawaz”. Jointly organized by Vanmali Srijan Peeth, Delhi, and Rajkamal Prakashan Group, the event drew the participation of many noted writers, critics, and literature enthusiasts. Prior to this collection, Choubey had already published six widely acclaimed volumes including Halkey Rang Ki Kameez, Restauran Mein Dopahar, Nau Binduon Ka Khel, Beech Prem Mein Gandhi, Magar Shakespeare Ko Yaad Rakhna, and Pratinidhi Kahaniyan. The new book was released in the presence of celebrated author Mamata Kalia and senior writer Janki Prasad Sharma, who presided over the ceremony. Choubey himself read the title story “Gareebnawaz” and shared insights into his creative journey, emphasizing that readability, innocence, and visual intensity remain central to his craft.

Mamata Kalia praised Choubey for his commitment to social realities, describing “Gareebnawaz” as a powerful portrayal of class conflict and human resilience. Presiding guest Janki Prasad Sharma remarked that Choubey’s greatest strength lies in his extraordinary readability, noting that his stories sweep readers along while raising urgent questions of contemporary life and weaving memory and critique into their very fabric. Noted critic Akhilesh highlighted the originality of Choubey’s storytelling, pointing out how his works resist conventional forms while engaging with the distortions of capital, technology, and power, ultimately defending the beauty of life. Senior critic Vinod Tiwari observed that the long stories in this collection will be remembered in the history of Hindi fiction, as they carry recurring motifs of love, compassion, humanity, and sensitivity while also transcending genres.

Writer Alpana Mishra admired the intimate pace of Choubey’s stories that culminate in profound realizations, while young author Ashutosh noted how Choubey begins and ends his stories with curiosity, keeping them firmly in narrative control and marked by a scientific and humanistic outlook. The event began with a welcome address by senior poet Leeladhar Mandloi, Chairman of Vanmali Srijan Peeth, and greetings from Jyoti Raghuvanshi. It was skillfully anchored by young writer Pranjal Dhar and Kunal Singh, with Ashok Maheshwari of Rajkamal Prakashan extending a heartfelt vote of thanks. With the presence of distinguished writers, critics, and literature lovers from across Delhi NCR, the launch of “Gareebnawaz” became not just a book release but a vibrant celebration of Santosh Choubey’s enduring contribution to contemporary Hindi literature.