I cannot imagine life without theatre. It’s helped in developing my personality. I shall always be grateful to my Directors for bringing out the best in me.

The stage is set to bring yet another character to life and mesmerize the Live audience. It’s infectious; I can say that I have a healthy addiction.

Different from the world of Cinema, there are no retakes – A single take to exhibit your talent!

First Theatre Performance

Inter-house Drama Competition at school, where I won the First Prize. My English teacher directed the play ‘Dear Departed’ written by Stanley Houghton. Introducing me to the concept of Navarasa – 9 basic emotions an actor should know.

Shringara (love/beauty)-Hasya(laughter)-Karuna (sorrow)-Raudra (anger)-Veera ( heroism/courage)- Bhayanaka (terror/fear)-Bibhatsya (disgust)-Adbutha (surprise/wonder)-and Shantha (peace or tranquility).

Now, when I meet my school friends or teachers at reunions, they tell me about my performance in the play. I played the character of Mrs. Slater. Since then, there has been no looking back.

Inter-college drama competitions; theatre workshops, and performing for street plays (Nukkad) at different college festivals; those beautiful memories to cherish forever.

Professional Theatre Experience

I would like to take you back to the time when this magic began. 2002, Jagriti Theatre Group in Bangalore, I was backstage for the play ‘Strait Black Jacket’, directed by Arundhati Raja.

I haven’t missed a chance to participate in a play. Active in the city of Hyderabad; worked with Samahaara, Kissago, Darpan. Acted in few short films directed by award-winning film director, Anshul Sinha and with AISFM.

Over the last 15 years, I have performed in 400+ shows. Diverse groups like Sarthak Theatre Group (Jaipur), Rafiki (Bangalore), Rangashankara (Bangalore), Chrysallis Performance Arts Centre (Bangalore), QTP (Mumbai), Actor Factor (Delhi), and Asmita (Delhi).

Throughout my experience, I explored different facets of theatre – starting from Backstage, set designing, costumes, lights, sound design, event promotion and sale of tickets.

Acting will continue; I am excited about venturing into Direction with Navarasa – dramatics group of The Nation’s Rock Beat.

Thanks for reading! Next post, I shall talk about the various roles I have acted in, and how it has developed my personality.