For many in India, the UK represents opportunity, affluence, and a glamorous new life. But for Indian writer and actor Mohit Mathur, arriving in London was just the beginning of a challenging journey of identity, resilience, and self-discovery.
His debut play, ‘Dial 1 for UK’, draws on his own experiences to explore the hopes and harsh realities faced by first-generation immigrants. Touring the UK this autumn, the play tells the story of Uday Kumar, a call centre worker and YouTube influencer whose dream of London life collides with racism, loneliness, and systemic hurdles- all told with humour, heart, and insight.
Rooted in Mathur’s own experiences of moving from Mumbai to London, the play explores the gap between aspiration and reality. “I first came to the UK in 2015,” Mathur recalls. “I was performing at the London Palladium in Beyond Bollywood, a turning point for me. I loved it and thought, ‘I want to train properly as an actor.’” His journey to theatre was unconventional; he had studied engineering, had employment offers at Infosys and with the Indian Air Force, before pursuing his passion for dance and eventually acting.
The inspiration for ‘Dial 1 for UK’ came from real-life observations. “My sister worked in a call centre in India, training in a British accent for about 15,000 rupees a month. Later, while working with a Shakespeare company that specialises in working with individuals with autism, I noticed that the carers accompanying the autistic individuals were often from South Asian, Caribbean, or African backgrounds. I realised there’s a story here; about migration, aspiration, and the realities of life abroad.” The character of Uday Kumar reflects the dreams of many young Indians who imagine life in the UK as a gateway to success and affluence.
The play’s title is a clever nod to both the character’s initials and his new country. Mathur explains, “The first line I wrote was: ‘Hello! This is Pushkar this side, how can I help you?’ But it felt too long and clunky.”
So he played with the initials of the character Uday Kumar, ‘UK’, offering the perfect playful link to the United Kingdom and captured the character’s pride and connection to his new home. The opening line became: “Good morning, my name is Uday Kumar or you can call me UK, like your country.”
Mathur draws heavily on his personal experiences, blending humour and heart with social commentary. One memory from 2015 stands out when someone called him a racial slur, the P-word. “Back then, I casually thought, ‘You’ve got the country wrong, I’m from India,’” he recalls. “Over the years, my perspective changed. What once felt like a minor insult became deeply personal.” This evolution informs the play’s exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexities of immigration.
The play also examines the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. “Growing up in India, we’re pushed to be as English as possible. When I came to London, I thought I could just be Mike or Steve, but the world reminded me I would always be Rakesh. Over time, I began embracing my identity.” Dial 1 for UK is about owning that identity while navigating the compromises and realities of life as a first-generation immigrant.
Talking about South Asian representation in the arts, he said, “In India the opportunities were limited and London is better, but there are still "not enough" producers taking risks or making work for South Asian artists.”
His advice for young South Asians aiming to make their mark? “Take charge of your career and never take no for an answer. If no one is writing for you, make your own show. Your voice matters.” Mathur’s own example underscores this: after being told his play would take two years to produce, he contacted i80 venues, secured 15 agreements, and launched his UK tour.
Dial 1 for UK is more than a comedy about migration; it’s a story of resilience, identity, and the dreams that drive us. Through humour, heart, and authenticity, Mohit Mathur aims to illuminate the realities behind the dream of moving West, offering audiences a chance to understand the immigrant experience in the UK with empathy and insight.
For tour dates and more information, visit www.mohitmathur.co.uk.
