Dubai’s vibrant cultural scene came alive on the evening of July 24, 2025, with a heartwarming and intellectually rich pre-event celebrating the upcoming theatrical performance of Pehley Aap. Hosted just a day before the main drama, this evening was far more than a formal curtain-raiser. It was an intimate gathering of minds, stories, laughter, and shared cultural pride.
Organized by Paragon Events, Pehley Aap is a production brought to life by the vision of Mr. Feroz Khan and Mr. Pervez Khan, and ably supported by Mr. Minhaj Khan and Mr. Haroon Akmal. Together, they have created more than a play. They’ve curated a cultural homage to the traditions, civility, and gentle humor of a bygone era.
The Pre-Event: An Evening of Nostalgia and Anticipation
Held in a warmly lit venue buzzing with curiosity and camaraderie, the pre-event celebration was attended by some of Dubai’s most respected cultural and business personalities. There was a noticeable energy in the air, an eager anticipation for what this production promises to deliver.
Guests were welcomed with refreshments, a short welcome address, sneak previews, and heartfelt tributes to the inspiration behind the play. The evening felt more like a cultural gathering than a commercial launch. True to the ethos of Pehley Aap, which translates to You First, it embodied grace, generosity, and mutual respect.
Among the special invitees were Mr. Imad Ul Malik, Mr. Lokesh Mishra, and Mr. Manazir Abbas, whose presence and warm remarks added further value and visibility to the evening. Each highlighted how this initiative brings much-needed positivity and cultural reflection to the UAE’s fast-paced lifestyle.
The Drama: Humor with Heart, History, and Humanity
Directed by the seasoned and critically acclaimed Dr. Sayeed Alam, Pehley Aap is an evocative yet thoroughly entertaining theatrical production that revisits the gentle, lyrical world of Lucknow’s culture, where etiquette wasn’t an obligation but a way of life.
What sets Pehley Aap apart is its ability to blend humor with heritage. At its core, the play is a humorous and heartfelt celebration of the phrase “pehley aap”, once the hallmark of Lucknowi culture, symbolizing selflessness, chivalry, and elegance in daily conversation.
Through witty dialogues, satirical scenes, and sharply observed characters, the play skillfully paints the portrait of a culture that prioritized respect over reaction, dignity over dominance. But this isn’t merely a nostalgic trip. Pehley Aap uses humor as a lens to contrast the graceful social norms of Lucknow’s past with the often divisive and hurried dynamics of the modern world.
Expect moments of belly-aching laughter and sharp comic timing, especially from the lead actors, Mr. Mushtaq Khan and Mr. Liliput Farooqui, both veteran performers known for their command of stage and comedic delivery. Their camaraderie, timing, and effortless transitions between light-hearted banter and deeply emotional reflections are what make this play both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Adding soul to the storytelling is Farrukh Baig, who serves as the Music Composer & Singer. His musical contributions lend depth and emotion to the play’s most powerful moments, reinforcing its nostalgic tone and cultural richness.
In the words of Director Dr. Sayeed Alam, “Comedy becomes a powerful teacher when you laugh not just at a character, but at yourself. That’s what we’ve tried to bring to the audience — humor that nudges the conscience.”
Why the Message Matters
As the world around us becomes increasingly driven by speed, individualism, and confrontation, Pehley Aap serves as a gentle but powerful reminder of the lost art of patience and politeness. It asks: What happens when a culture stops saying “you first”?
For audiences in the UAE, especially the South Asian diaspora, the themes are immediately relatable. Many have grown up hearing about or experiencing the courtesies of elders, the poetic styles of conversation, the patience in public life. In Dubai’s fast-growing multicultural society, the play becomes a bridge connecting generations and gently reminding us of the civility that once defined daily life.
Beyond culture, the play also subtly addresses communal tensions, portraying how humor and humanity can break barriers where political discourse fails. Yet it does so without preaching, delivering its message through satire, wit, and emotion.
A Night of Distinguished Guests and Cultural Camaraderie
The pre-event created a close-knit space where art met dialogue. Key moments included:
- Insights from the creative team, where the organizers and director explained their inspiration and vision.
- Personal stories shared by guests, reflecting on the relevance of “pehley aap” in both personal and societal contexts.
- Live snippets and behind-the-scenes visuals, offering a glimpse into the rehearsals and creative process.
Gratitude to the Sponsors and Partners
Events of this magnitude require more than vision. They require partners who believe in the message and mission. Pehley Aap owes its strength to a dedicated group of sponsors and supporters:
Official Partners
- Marketing Partner: Infobahn Consultancy
- Travel Partner: Lotus Caravan
- Television Partner: ZTV
- Hospitality Partner: Lavender Hotel
- Radio Partner: Mirchi FM
- Print Media Partner: Khaleej Times
Main Sponsors
- Tunday Kababi, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai
- Sharaf Exchange
Community Support
- Emirates India and Saanjh
Support Contributors
- The Buss Dance Studio
- ArchiVisaro Group
- Next Solutions
- Visions
- Al Diera Consultancy
What’s Next: Curtain Rises Tonight
As the pre-event came to a close, there was one question on everyone’s mind. What will today performance bring?
Scheduled for July 26, 2025, the main event promises a theatrical experience that blends story, history, emotion, and comedy in a way that appeals to audiences across age groups. The production is expected to run to a packed house, with guests eagerly awaiting the opportunity to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even shed a tear or two.
Final Thoughts: A Revival Through Laughter and Language
More than just a play, Pehley Aap is a movement. It revives timeless values through modern storytelling. It asks us to reconsider the small courtesies we overlook. It invites us to laugh at our cultural quirks while cherishing the wisdom behind them. And most importantly, it reminds us that kindness is never outdated.
In a multicultural hub like Dubai, this message resonates strongly. The play becomes a shared mirror for all, whether you’re from Lucknow or Lahore, Mumbai or Multan, Delhi or Dubai.
As the curtain rises tonight, the audience won’t just watch a performance. They’ll rediscover a piece of themselves.
To all attending tonight’s grand show: enjoy the laughter, absorb the message, and remember, Pehley Aap. You First.