ACTRESS Bella Kouds continues to fly the Zimbabwean flag high in the United States of America. This comes as she took part in the New York production Kasturba vs Gandhi, a play meant to celebrate India Independence Day.
In where she played the role of Mirabehn, who was both an admirer and a close friend of Gandhi, Bella acted alongside Mehdi Hadim, Drishti Manju, Ajay Bhullar and Rupaalii Sonwani.
Born and raised in Harare, Bella developed a love for storytelling and performance from childhood. Encouraged by her family, she pursued theatre and improvisation, earning recognition for roles such as Brigitta in The Sound of Music (winning the AFDIS award for Best Performance by an Under 16 Actor) and Mary Warren in The Crucible.
After completing the IB programme, she moved to New York to train in performing arts and has since graduated and taken on various lead roles. Our Lifestyle Writer Progress Chaya spoke to her about the play Kasturba vs Gandhi and other issues pertaining to her career.
Below are the excerpts of the interview. Read on…
Q. How do you think audiences will respond to the portrayal of Kasturba Gandhi as an Indian revolutionary and a strong-willed woman who played a significant role in India’s independence movement, and what do you hope they take away from this production?
A. The portrayal of Kasturba Gandhi as a strong-willed woman and an active participant in India’s independence movement is likely to resonate deeply with audiences, especially given the growing emphasis on recognising the often-overlooked contributions of women in history. Historically, Kasturba has been seen primarily as the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, but her role in shaping both the Gandhian philosophy and the Indian freedom struggle is significant and deserves attention.
Audiences might find it empowering to see a nuanced portrayal of Kasturba as more than just a supportive figure.
By highlighting her activism, resilience, and independence of thought, the production can challenge traditional gender norms and present a more balanced view of the freedom movement—one that includes the voices of women who were equally committed to the cause but often overshadowed by their male counterparts.
I hope that viewers take away a deeper appreciation of how women like Kasturba, despite facing personal struggles and societal limitations, found ways to assert their agency and contribute meaningfully to major historical events.
It’s important to recognise that the fight for independence was not just about political leaders but about the collective effort of many individuals, like Kasturba, who played vital roles in both the ideological and grassroots aspects of the movement. This portrayal can also inspire audiences to reflect on how women’s roles in movements for justice and equality continue to evolve and inspire change today.
Q. The play Kasturba vs Gandhi sheds light on a lesser-known figure in history. What do you think is the most interesting or surprising aspect of Kasturba’s story, and how does it add depth to our understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and legacy?
A. One of the most surprising things about Kasturba Gandhi’s story is how much of a powerhouse she was, even though she’s usually seen as just Gandhi’s wife in history books.
Kasturba wasn’t just standing behind him; she was right there in the thick of it, leading movements and fighting for independence herself.
For example, she played a huge role in the Salt March and was involved in civil disobedience protests. She even led women’s protests and got arrested for it multiple times.
What’s also interesting is how Kasturba had her own ideas and beliefs, and she wasn’t afraid to disagree with Gandhi sometimes. Even though she supported his cause, there were moments where she had her own thoughts on the sacrifices that were expected, especially for women.
Her story gives us a new perspective on Gandhi’s life, showing us that the independence movement wasn’t just about him—it was about all the people, especially women, who fought alongside him. Kasturba’s strength and her ability to stand up for what she believed in add a whole new layer to understanding Gandhi’s legacy.
Q. As a character who lived and worked with Mahatma Gandhi, Mirabehn had a unique perspective on the Indian independence movement. What insights did you gain from her story, and how do you think it provides a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history?
A. Mirabehn, or Madeleine Slade, offers a unique perspective on the Indian independence movement because she was an outsider who chose to dedicate her life to Gandhi’s cause.
She wasn’t born into the struggle like many others; she came from England, and yet, she chose to leave her life behind to work with Gandhi and fight for India’s freedom.
One of the most interesting things about Mirabehn is how deeply she connected with Gandhi’s ideas. She wasn’t just a follower; she truly embraced his philosophy of non-violence, simplicity, and self-reliance. Her transformation from being a British citizen to a dedicated disciple of Gandhi shows how powerful his ideas were to her, transcending borders and cultures.
She immersed herself in the lifestyle, symbolising her full commitment to the cause.
Her story also gives us a glimpse into the personal dynamics of Gandhi’s life, especially through her close relationship with him. She had a deep respect for him, but also, at times, struggled with his demands and the way he treated his followers.
This adds a human layer to Gandhi’s character, showing that even those closest to him had challenges with his methods and leadership.
Her experience highlights how the movement was a global cause, drawing people from all over the world to participate.
It also reminds us that the fight for freedom wasn’t just about political power but about personal transformation, sacrifice, and the unity of people from diverse backgrounds.
Q. The play explores themes of feminism, empowerment, and resilience through Kasturba Gandhi’s story. How do you think Kasturba’s experiences and struggles reflect the broader experiences of women in Indian society during this time period, and what message do you hope audiences take away from her story?
A. Kasturba Gandhi’s story really highlights the struggles that many women in Indian society faced during her time. Back then, women were mostly expected to stay in the background and take care of the family.
But Kasturba wasn’t like that. She didn’t just support her husband, Gandhi—she was deeply involved in the freedom movement, taking on leadership roles and standing up for women and other oppressed groups.
Her life shows how women, even in difficult times, found ways to fight for their rights and make a difference.
Kasturba’s experiences reflect what many women went through during that time—trying to balance traditional roles with a desire for independence. While she worked alongside Gandhi, her own sacrifices and leadership show the hard work that women often did behind the scenes.
She wasn’t just following him; she was leading, protesting, and standing up for change.
Kasturba’s strength and resilience represent many women who have been left out of history’s spotlight. Her story teaches us that empowerment isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s about quietly staying strong and standing up for what you believe in, no matter the challenges.
The message I hope people take away from this play is that women have always played an important role in history, even if they aren’t always recognized. True strength isn’t just about being bold—it’s about having the courage to stay true to yourself and keep fighting for what’s right.
Through her story, I hope audiences understand that the fight for freedom wasn’t just about political liberation, but also about the liberation of women from oppressive societal structures. Kasturba’s resilience and strength give a voice to countless women who were often left out of history’s narratives. Her story can inspire us to recognize and honor the unsung heroines of every movement, and to realize that empowerment comes from within.
Q. What was it like playing a character who was both an admirer and a friend of Mahatma Gandhi, and how did you navigate the complexities of her relationship with Kasturba, who was Gandhi’s wife?
A. Playing Mirabehn, who was both an admirer and a close friend of Gandhi, had its challenges—especially when navigating the complexities of her relationship with Kasturba. One of the most difficult parts was realizing that Gandhi seemed to give Mirabehn more attention and focus than he did Kasturba at times. As I portrayed Mirabehn, I could really feel the discomfort that came with that. It was hard because, deep down, I knew how important Kasturba was to both Gandhi and the movement, and I stood with her.
There were moments when I, as Mirabehn, felt conflicted about how Gandhi seemed to rely on me for advice or support in ways that left Kasturba somewhat on the sidelines.
I could sense how this might have hurt Kasturba, and it made me personally uncomfortable because I knew that her contributions and strength were more vital to the cause.
I respected Kasturba deeply, and I wanted to honor her resilience and leadership, especially since she was, in many ways, the emotional backbone of the entire movement.
So, playing this dynamic felt difficult at times. I had to really tap into Mirabehn’s internal struggle—her admiration for Gandhi, but also her growing awareness of how much Kasturba had to give and how often she was overshadowed. It was important for me to portray how Mirabehn, despite her connection to Gandhi, also recognized Kasturba’s strength, and in some ways, felt torn between loyalty to both women and the larger cause.
I tried to highlight the respect and solidarity between Mirabehn and Kasturba, despite the tension between them because of Gandhi’s attention.
There was a quiet understanding that they were both fighting for the same cause and both working for a future that honored women’s contributions—whether they received the recognition they deserved.