IN PASSING I learnt a lot about the challenges of being a producer. You’ve only done two plays since you came back to India. Why is that? I am very keen and selective about the kind of plays I do. I am not saying I am averse to doing popular scripts or dislike theatre being used as a platform to make money. But for me, it’s about
learning something new each time I am on stage, on exploring aspects of myself that I wouldn’t have otherwise and such things, so the objectives don’t really coincide. Your favourite please…
plays
for
us
The first play that turned my life upside down was Peter Shaffer’s Equus, a very dark and twisted play. I watched the professional production of the play abroad and that’s what made me change my major actually! I invited all the insecurities I could into my life, I quit chasing after a ‘successful career’ (or so I thought!), I took up theatre… so, this play really touched me very deeply and evoked the so-called avante grande in me (smiles). The other one is Shakespeare’s Tempest, which was my first Shakespearean play on stage. Of course, C for Clown and Blue Mug have also been very fruitful. With Blue Mug touring extensively, which films do we see you in next? There are many films that are slated to be released, thanks to the recession issues that delayed things last year. I have about 6-7 of them waiting in line and I hope they will be released (laughs) after all. What to do? Pichle saal ka maal pehle bechna hai na? (They have to first sell last year’s work no?) Pappu Can’t Dance Sala, SRK, Lucky Ram and Lakshman Rekha are in the pipeline…
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