IPTA Mumbai presents 'Hum Deewane Hum Parwaane', a staging of 2 short plays, which deal with the idea of nationhood, of identity and of India as a secular democracy. It was first staged in 2007 to mark the 150th year of the 1857-War of Independence, the centenary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the 60th year of India's independence.

The plays take inspiration from fictional characters as well as historical characters like Ashfaqullah Khan and Ram Prasad Bismil.

India's freedom may have ultimately been a result of Gandhi's non-violent movement, but the armed struggle is also an important part of our history. From the heroes of 1857, to Bhagat Singh to Subhash Chandra Bose, there are many to whom we owe our freedom.

After sixty years of Independence we are still plagued by the growth of fundamentalism / communalism. The history of India and its freedom struggle is witness to the secular fabric of our society, centering around the composite unity and identity of our people. Ashfaqullah Khan, one of the martyrs of the socialist revolutionary movement, believed that nationhood is not constituted by religious identity. His life and martyrdom is an inspiring example in our modern history of heroic patriotism and a burning sense of national unity.

This play celebrates our freedom struggle and also looks at its relevance to the very essence of India's identity.