Appreciating the kindness in others and regretting drinking single malt whisky out of a steel tumbler.

What if a cow came to haunt you? And helped you find your true love?

That’s the premise of Prayas Theatre’s ambitious new love story, Mama Moo, premiering in Auckland later this month. The absurdist romantic comedy from Aotearoa’s largest South-Asian theatre company boasts a 13-strong cast and live band, and marks a step into the genre unknown for Prayas Theatre.

Amit Ohdedar co-founded Prayas Theatre back in 2005, having come to New Zealand from Kolkata in 1994 with his wife and son. Since then, Ohdedar has spent three decades in Auckland building bridges between South Asian theatre and New Zealand audiences. He says he gravitated towards theatre at a time when “community theatre doing South Asian work was very few”.

A theatre director in his own right (including Kingdom of Cards, Dara, and The Clay Card), Ohdedar now serves as the honorary president of Prayas Theatre, focusing on mentoring emerging artists and producing works like Mama Moo. As he prepares to stage another show, Ohdedar shares his best life advice.

What bothers you most about the world right now?

The many violent and mindless wars and conflicts around the world are very troublesome, particularly when fuelled by the most powerful hegemonic power and its erratic leadership.

What sort of people do you avoid?

People and politicians who take advantage of people’s vulnerabilities by “othering” them.

What makes you want to get up in the morning?

The sheer wonder of my being awake and alive in this unique wonderful universe.

 How do you hold onto hope in these crazy times?

I shall argue that hope is the best survival tool to combat the troubled times. The cycle of life never stops. Bad times are just a blip, often a footnote in a fast-moving history of mankind.

What is the single best quality a human can have?

Humility, self-introspection and kindness to others.

What’s over-rated?

Barbecue and butter chicken – as food (no other pun intended).

What’s under-rated?

New Zealand society as a whole – the general kindness, empathy and the sense of fairness inherent in its people and culture.

If you could have a do-over, what would you change?

Remembering to diarise all my mother’s recipes

What brings you joy?

A dog – its sense of unconditional joy and happiness always lifts my spirit.   

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The friend who, in 1993, gave us the idea of applying to come to this country. I arrived in 1994 with my wife, eight-year-old son and three suitcases. Never regretted a moment since. 

What advice do you wish you’d never followed?

It wasn’t bad advice exactly, but drinking single malt out of a steel tumbler put me off whisky for life. It broke my spirit, and, sadly, my love for the spirit.

Tell us about a controversial opinion you hold.

It may not be true for everyone but in my view social media is a primary driver of our short, goldfish-like attention spans.   

When you’re feeling low, what helps?

A long walk, listening to an engaging podcast or music. Alternatively, resolving the world’s problems at the local pub with friends over a few beers and plenty of laughs.

In what ways is public-facing Amit different to private Amit?

My public-facing self often overcompensates to hide my private, introverted nature.

Give us some life advice.

One life, one chance. Life is like a flowing river, whatever happens, whether good or bad, it is best to be at peace with the world.

Amit Ohdedar is co-founder of Prayas Theatre, who are presenting Mama Moo, which plays at TAPAC from 20 – 26 September. Book tickets here.