Santi and Naz - one Sikh, one Muslim - are best friends living in a village in pre-partition India, coming of age and coming out in a country soon to be changed forever.

For as long as there is barsaat, you will be my friend.

Santi and Naz are bestest-best friends living in a village in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim; they have little understanding of how religion will divide them.

As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie). When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young
women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable.

Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza-lodhi’s Santi & Naz explores female friendship, coming of age, and coming out set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever.

Recipient of the Fringe Society’s Keep It Fringe Fund and Winner of the Charlie Hartill Fund 2023.

This edition was published to coincide with the Thelmas’ production at London’s Soho Theatre in January 2025.