“Das Paise Ka Postcard”: A Heartfelt Tribute To The Lost Art Of Letter Writing And Unsung Heroes Of Communication
Capt. S.N. Ahmed has appeared in critically acclaimed films such as The Ghazi Attack, Dear Comrade, Virata Parvam and Yathartham
In a touching celebration of nostalgia, storytelling, and the timeless power of human connection, the book Das Paise Ka Postcard, authored by Capt. S.N. Ahmed—retired Army officer, writer, and theatre enthusiast—was officially released today at The Plaza Hotel, Begumpet. The release was graced by renowned actor and director Mr. Vinay Varma, as Chief Guest, and Ms. Sanjana Shah, Executive Director of BNI Hyderabad, as Guest of Honour.
More than just a book, Das Paise Ka Postcard is a poignant tribute to an era when the humble postcard was the heartbeat of long-distance communication—carrying news, emotions, and human warmth across miles. Awaited eagerly, read repeatedly, and cherished for years, these postcards were treasures that tied families and hearts together in simpler times.
The play, based on the book and sharing its title, breathes life into this forgotten era, transporting audiences to the 1960s—when the postman was not just a government employee but a familiar, almost familial, figure riding his squeaky bicycle through villages, delivering hope and connection.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Vinay Varma reflected: “When Capt. Ahmed spoke about his book, I was instantly transported back to my childhood—when my grandmother would dictate heartfelt letters to her brothers, filled with warmth and longing. That was my first introduction to letter writing, and those moments remain etched in memory. Unlike today’s instant messages, those letters truly bridged hearts. In this digital age, emotional distances seem to have only increased. Capt. Ahmed’s work is a gentle yet powerful reminder of what we’ve lost, and what we must try to hold on to.”
Ms. Sanjana Shah added: “Capt. Ahmed’s writing evokes a rare charm—it lets us relive a time we may never have known firsthand. His stories carry powerful social messages, laced with nostalgia and authenticity. I have a tradition of sending postcards to myself from every place I visit—the joy in receiving one is indescribable. This book beautifully captures that joy and the small but meaningful rituals we’ve lost in the rush of modern life.”
The Stories Beyond the Postcard
At the heart of the book is the titular play, Das Paise Ka Postcard, but the anthology also features three additional socially reflective plays:
- “SANDHYA Tum Kahaan Ho” – A moving portrayal of Alzheimer’s and its emotional impact on Indian families, inspired by Capt. Ahmed’s encounters during his Army tenure.
- “Baasira Maata Ki Jai” – A satirical take on the issue of food wastage in urban households.
- “Door Bell” – A tender story of a lonely woman navigating the silence of solitude.
Each play, written with Capt. Ahmed’s signature blend of humor and heart, tackles deeply human themes, holding a mirror to society’s changing values in a digitized, distracted world.
A Soldier’s Pen and Stage
About Capt. S.N. Ahmed
A soldier by duty and storyteller by soul, Capt. Ahmed served in some of India’s most challenging terrains, including the Siachen Glacier. His journey into writing began during long, lonely stretches at border posts, where he would pen letters filled with reflections, dreams, and human emotion. These writings eventually evolved into poems, essays, and plays—fuelled by his love for words and theatre.
Capt. Ahmed has spent over a decade in theatre, both writing and performing. He is widely known for his powerful stage portrayals of Raavan and Saadat Hasan Manto, and has appeared in critically acclaimed films such as The Ghazi Attack, Dear Comrade, Virata Parvam, and Yathartham.
Das Paise Ka Postcard also serves as an emotional tribute to India’s armed forces, for whom letters from home are not mere words, but emotional sustenance and lifelines. The book honours that emotion—reminding readers of what it meant to wait, to hope, and to hold a piece of someone’s heart in a folded piece of paper.
Guests in Attendance
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering of veterans, artists, and well-wishers including Flt Lt Kalimullah (father of Capt. Ahmed), Col Saxena, Col Sandeep Kumar (Retd), Col QR Haidri, Col Sendhil, Col Ali Dobey, Col Sesha Sai, Mr. Rajiv, Ms. Surabhi Dutt, Mr. Rajeen, Ms. Rajshree, and several theatre enthusiasts, friends, and family members.
As India charges forward in a digital age, Das Paise Ka Postcard is a gentle but powerful reminder of the soulful simplicity of the past—and the enduring value of heartfelt connection.
