It Holds Up a Mirror to Society": Rohit Soni Opens Up on Playing Sant Ravidas in ‘Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein’

Acclaimed theatre actor Rohit Soni steps into the revered role of Sant Ravidas in the iconic play Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein. For Soni, portraying the fifteenth-century mystic poet-saint is an enriching spiritual and artistic experience, primarily due to the profound ideological kinship between Sant Ravidas and Sant Kabir.

A Shared Philosophy of Truth and Wisdom

Speaking about what makes stepping into this character so meaningful, Rohit Soni emphasizes the spiritual harmony shared by the two saints:

"The character I am playing in this play is Sant Ravidas. What makes this role particularly special is that the thoughts and philosophies of Sant Ravidas and Sant Kabir were very similar. The lessons and wisdom we learn from Kabir are equally reflected in the teachings of Ravidas."

Having previously portrayed Sufi saints and spiritual figures on stage, Soni found an intuitive connection with the material:

"The ultimate purpose of all Sufi and saintly teachings is to lead people towards the truth. The paths may be different, but the destination is the same. That’s why understanding and connecting with this character wasn’t particularly difficult for me."

A Scene of Brotherhood and Resilience

Reflecting on the moments from the production that left a lasting emotional imprint on him, Soni highlights a powerful scene depicting sacrifice and solidarity:

"There is a scene in the play where Sant Ravidas is thrown out of his house by his father because he used to wander through the streets with Kabir and his companions, singing devotional songs. Someone complains about this to Ravidas's father, which makes him so angry that he asks Ravidas to leave the house. However, Kabir and the other members of his group stand by him, support him, and provide him with emotional strength during this difficult time."

Months of dedicated rehearsals inevitably carry over into an actor's personal outlook. Soni notes that immersing oneself in philosophies rooted in goodness naturally inspires an artist to imbibe those values in daily life. When asked to define theatre in a single word, his answer is simple yet profound: "Happiness."

Why Today's Generation Must Watch

For Soni, the core takeaway from Sant Kabir’s life is unwavering integrity—standing firmly by the truth regardless of how difficult circumstances become. Explaining why Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein remains essential viewing for contemporary audiences, he states:

"Because the problems that existed in the 15th century are still present in our society today. Even now, in the name of religion, we continue to witness hypocrisy, discrimination and social divisions. That is what makes this play so relevant even today. It holds up a mirror to society and makes us reflect on ourselves. I genuinely believe everyone should watch this play."