Queer dance-theatre production SAM;AAJ, helmed by choreographer Jainil Mehta in Hyderabad blends dance, poetry and music

What makes a relationship survive constant change and pressure? “Balance,” says choreographer-director Jainil Mehta, whose queer theatre production SAM;AAJ will be staged in Hyderabad on May 16.

Interspersed with music, Hindi and English poetry, the 60-minute performance blends traditional and contemporary dance vocabularies. While ‘samaaj’ in Hindi means ‘society’, the title breaks the word into ‘Sam’ and ‘Aaj’, translating to balance and today or the present.

The story follows two men (Jainil Mehta and Kunaal Sangtani) navigating the strains within their relationship. What begins as a conversation at home and an intimate moment gradually unravels into an argument, forcing them to confront whether they still want to stay together. “No relationship is perfect. There will be ups and downs, but how people navigate them together, and whether they are willing to find balance, forms the crux of the story,” says Jainil.

Jainil Mehta
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The performance closes with the song Kya tera, kya mera, main samjhoona (We don’t know what is yours, what is mine), ending on a note of hope as the couple chooses to embrace uncertainty together.

The poetry is by Amrita Saluja and Devarshi Shah, while music and lyrics are by Shivansh Jindal. Aasa Singh and Vijay Kumar Asokan are credited with vocals for Miraaj and lighting design respectively.

Reality of change

The idea for the performance was inspired by Sita and I, a theatre piece Jainil Mehta watched in Ahmedabad in 2024. “It was performed under a tree and retold the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. My heart felt warm after the show.”

A scene from ‘SAM;AAJ’
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

As he began conceptualising a similarly intimate production, Jainil also reflected on the evolving relationships around him — from newly married friends to the changing dynamic between his parents. Around the same time, he drifted away from a childhood friend. “I couldn’t relate to him anymore,” he says. These experiences shaped the performance’s exploration of change, and how people sometimes grow together and at other times apart. “At some point, it becomes a choice whether you want to remain in a relationship or not.”

Though told through a queer lens, Jainil says SAM;AAJ is relatable to anyone navigating relationships. “It is not just about finding balance with others, but also within yourself, because the performance also speaks about insecurities that hinder relationships.”

The production has had 12 stagings across India in 2025 and is currently on a multi-city tour that began in Mumbai. After Hyderabad, it travels to Pune, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Gurugram.

SAM;AAJ will be staged at Rangbhoomi Spaces in Serilingampally on May 16 at 6 pm onwards; Tickets on Bookmyshow