THEATRE WORLD
present a solo performance by Lushin Dubey (bilingual | 75 mins) scripted for stage and directed by Arvind Gaur
Invitation invite for my performance here which was on the 26 th of Sept . 2026
What a wonderful performance by the renowned Indian stage actor, director and theatre legend Lushin Dubey in her production Aruna's story at the Smile Foundation's USA launch chapter event in NY and making the event such a huge success!! The production was deeply gripping and soul-stirring. Lushin Dubey portrayed so many different characters in a brisk 60-minute bilingual performance, seamlessly shifting accents, body language, and emotional states—ranging from heartache and grief to profound resilience. The audience was captivated throughout by her performance. Several guests came to us after the event and lauded the subject of the play, production and Lushin's powerful performance stating they got numbed for a few minutes. The play is a crucial mirror to society, drawing stark parallels to modern working women’s safety and sparking renewed conversations around justice, workplace harassment, and legal reforms like passive euthanasia in India. Aruna's story sparked the legal framework that legalized passive euthanasia and the "right to die with dignity" under Article 21 in India. Many thanks to her and her whole team including director Mr. Arvind Gaur.
Jiten Agarwal
Founding Board Member, Smile Foundation USA
Lushin Dubey’s solo performance in Aruna’s Story is nothing short of a miracle. Watching her bring every character to life so beautifully was the most thrilling, chilling, and deeply moving experience I have ever seen on stage. It completely captures your mind and stays with you long after it ends—an absolute masterpiece you cannot miss.
Hari Aggarwal
Founding President
Smile Foundation
U.S. Chapter
Lushin Dubey’s performance of Aruna’s Story is deeply impactful and unforgettable. She brings to life a devastating story about sexual violence in India and the people around it with extraordinary skill, moving seamlessly between English and Hindi and inhabiting multiple characters — from Aruna herself and her nurse and friend to several male figures whose voices and actions shape the story.
What struck me most was how completely each character seemed to live through her. With very little separating one role from the next, Lushin transforms physically and emotionally, allowing the audience to experience the story from many different perspectives. It is a smart, beautifully constructed production that does not sensationalize its difficult subject, but instead forces us to confront the human consequences of violence, silence and indifference.
The audience was completely engaged, and the performance stayed with me long after it ended. Lushin is a fearless storyteller and an extraordinary performer who uses theatre to make us look at stories we might otherwise turn away from.
— Laurie Meadoff, Founder, The CityKids Foundation, New York
Lushin, I want to congratulate you on an extraordinary performance at the Smile Foundation Gala in New York. Your 90-minute solo presentation of Aruna’s Story, was truly exceptional.
You captivated the audience from beginning to end with your powerful storytelling, emotion, confidence, and stage presence. Performing alone on stage for 90 minutes is an incredible achievement, and you made it look effortless.
Your performance brought the story to life and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. It was a privilege to experience such a memorable performance, Preeti and I delighted that you shared your talent with us and audience at the Smile Gala.
Congratulations,Lushin, on a remarkable evening and a truly outstanding performance!
Val Sapra
Founding Board Member
Smile Foundation USA