Theatre as a Lifeline for Anupam Kher
On the occasion of World Theatre Day today, Anupam Kher expressed how theatre has remained one of the core parts of his life, calling it the medium that pushes him to stay observant and awake.
“It’s a necessity to keep myself alive as an actor…. It takes away the dust that can accumulate sometimes, the fear of no retake.”
He stated how one can have multiple retakes in cinema, but theatre challenges one to remain alert. He elaborates how theatre is pure magic, an experience that can never get old.
The Thrill of Live Audience Connection
He stated how theatre helps him in connecting with the audience: “From audience to actors and actors to audience, there is nothing in between. You feel palpitation, and when you feel that, it means your heart is beating, that means you are alive. Theatre gives me the chance to relive that feeling every time I’m on stage.”
He also talked about that how being on the stage still brings him a sense of uncertainty and thrill as it was during his first show “Salgirah” in 1994.
Vision for New Play and Timeless Nature of Theatre
In addition, he shared some thoughts about his new show “Jaane Pehchaane Anjaane” and stated that the only goal is to create stories that the audience can connect to: “I like to do plays where the audience identifies with the story. I can’t do a play where the audience feels alienated…”
Lastly, he added regarding the changing trends in the industry that, “You don’t necessarily need to educate people. You come, you watch, you feel. Theatre is that kind of an experience that never gets old.”