'We forget things if we have no one to tell them to'
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
A fan of the original film and Irfan Khan’s understated portrayal of a lonely widower whose life is suddenly transformed through a swapped lunchbox delivery, I wasn’t sure how such a quiet, intimate story would translate into a musical. It was nothing short of magical.
By Abha Soni
A fan of the original film and Irfan Khan’s understated portrayal of a lonely widower whose life is unexpectedly transformed through a swapped lunchbox delivery, I wasn’t sure how such a quiet, intimate story would translate into a musical. It was nothing short of magical.
“We forget things if we have no one to tell them to.”
This poignant line from Ritesh Batra’s acclaimed 2013 film The Lunchbox stayed with me long after the curtain closed on its world-premiere musical adaptation at Berkeley Repertory Roda Theatre.
I was fortunate to attend the premiere on May 27, 2026, already a fan of the original film and Irfan Khan’s understated portrayal of Saajan Fernandes (with Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and others), a lonely widower whose life is unexpectedly transformed through a swapped lunchbox delivery. I wasn’t sure how such a quiet, intimate story would translate into a musical, but the result was nothing short of magical.
The production opened with Mohammed Rafi’s timeless “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho,” immediately transporting the audience into the magical world of dreams. From there, the performances, choreography, and music, elevated the narrative’s emotional depth while remaining true to its simplicity.
One of my favorite elements was the live orchestra, seamlessly woven into the set, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from it.
The set design beautifully brought Mumbai to life. From bustling dabbawalas and crowded buses to Bollywood posters, street vendors, and apartment balconies filled with neighbours calling to one another, the city felt alive. One of the most striking visual motifs was the use of ceiling fans throughout the production. Beyond evoking Mumbai’s heat and humidity, they seemed to symbolize the rhythm of life itself.
Directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), the production featured outstanding performances by Manu Narayan as Saajan and Kuhoo Verma as Ila. Anisha Nagarajan brought warmth, humor, and heart to the role of the Auntie, while Aathaven Tharmarajah’s charming portrayal of Shaikh was a clear audience favourite. The synchronized dabbawalas and energetic ensemble added movement and life to every scene.
One of my favourite elements was the live orchestra, seamlessly woven into the set, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from it. As a lover of music, I was especially captivated by percussionist Rohan Krishnamurthy’s tabla playing and the beautiful Carnatic violin performances by Arun Ramamurthy and Sahana Shravan. Combined with the stunning lighting and scenic design, every artistic element felt thoughtfully crafted.
When asked why Berkeley Repertory was chosen for the world premiere, Ritesh Batra spoke about the energy of the people and the theater’s willingness to take bold creative risks. He felt an immediate connection with the artistic team because they understood the show’s unique balance of intimacy and scale, a feeling that comes through clearly in the production itself.
At its core, The Lunchbox is a story about connection, longing, and unexpected new beginnings.
And so I find myself reflecting again on the quote that moved me most and that I left the theatre carrying with me: “We forget things if we have no one to tell them to.”
It is a beautiful reminder that our lives are shaped not only by the experiences we have, but by the people with whom we share them.
Dr Abha Soni is a young physician new to the San Francisco Bay Area, who specializes in diagnosing skin diseases. Outside of work, she finds joy in sharing stories about her experiences and attending social and cultural events. She is also passionate about food, beauty/skincare, and travel blogging. Her artistic sensibilities find expression through visual art, music and singing, which enrich her multifaceted life, beyond medicine.
Courtesy americankahani.com