The play is based on the relationship between Srinivasa Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy, the Indian and British mathematicians.
What interested you in A First Class Man?
It is a beautifully written, richly textured story about a cross-cultural exchange, with an almost fairytale quality.
How do you make math and the number theory interesting?
By using a visual medium! Seriously, the play is about the burden of genius.
How did New York respond to the play?
We had an overwhelming response.
What have you learnt about Ramanujan from the play?
The play deals with Ramanujan, the man, who is flawed and human, his youth, innocence, struggles and aspirations.
And about his relationship with religion?
Ramanujan ascribed his maths to the goddess Namagiri, his faith in her was impressive.
Do you have plans to take the play to India?
Yes, we are hoping to take the play to India later this year if all conditions are favourable.
Are Indian audiences ready to deal with Hardy’s relationship with Ramanujan?
Hardy was described as a "non-practising homosexual," but his feelings for Ramanujan are only speculation, though Ramanujan did not reciprocate even if they had been there.
With a couple of films in the works, what has spawned this interest in Ramanujan?
Films like A Beautiful Mind interested people in other mathematicians. Also, Robert Kanigel’s Ramanujan biography has been widely read.
Being a full-time corporate lawyer, how do you find time for theatre?
I don’t, my passion for it gets the better of me and I am willy-nilly dragged into yet another theatrical adventure.
