Theatre has to feel personal, or it is just noise to all, says director Abhishek Majumdar
2
Abhishek Majumdar, a playwright and director based in Bengaluru, believes theatre 'must reflect life in all its complexities'. With his latest play, Des, he brings together history, human emotions and satire to revisit the night of India's Independence.
Excerpts from a chat:
'SATIRE IS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF TELLING A TRAGEDY'
Most of the stories about independence focus either on patriotism or trauma, says Abhishek. With his play, the director tells us he was determined to offer a new perspective by bringing in a satirical plotline. 'Satire lets one hold both laughter and loss together alongside bringing the truth to the front. It isn't an imported product of Europe or America; satire is in our roots.
The Indian epics are full of characters who speak the truth through humour.
If we don't include satire, then we are just writing essays,' he says.
You Can Also Check:
Bengaluru AQI
|
Weather in Bengaluru
|
Bank Holidays in Bengaluru
|
Public Holidays in Bengaluru
Indian mythology and theatre have always been asking tough questions through satire. It is satire that holds up a mirror to society
Abhishek Majumdar
'THE REAL MAGIC OF THEATRE LIES IN ITS PROXIMITY'
When asked how live performance is different from other media, Abhishek is quick to distinguish the mediums. 'In cinema, you might see someone seven times their original size. In the theatre, you're breathing the same air as the actor.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription!
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
That intimacy, especially when exploring emotionally loaded times like 1947, creates a unique experience. Theatre stirs with proximity that offers a shared moment between performers and audience,' he tells us.
'THEATRE HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEMOCRATIC ACROSS THE WORLD'
Abhishek believes that theatre is still one of the most democratic art forms in India. 'In theatre, one cannot escape the other. One has to sit with strangers and face the disagreement without switching between channels.
People confront discomfort in real time. Today, theatre survives because of its presence that always tells what our society is thinking, fearing and hoping,' he explains.
Theatre survives because of its presence that always tells what our society is thinking, fearing and hoping
— Abhishek Majumdar
'BENGALURU IS ONE OF THE TOP THEATRE CITIES IN THE WORLD'
'When one thinks of theatre in India, they cannot miss Kannada theatre. Bengaluru is the city of Kambar, Karnad and Ananthamurthy, who have significantly contributed to the theatre scene in the city. From Hindi, English, Kannada to Tamil, Marathi and Bengali, one can observe a rare multilingual diversity in Bengaluru theatres. There is hunger in Bengaluru's audience to listen, to debate, to disagree thoughtfully.
That's what makes for real theatre culture in the city,' says Abhishek.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Karan Johar Said He Doesn't Want To Work With Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise: 'Don't Want Them In My Movies'
Karan Johar said he has 'no interest' in working with Hollywood actors or making an English language film. Karan Johar is among the biggest filmmakers and producers in India. As such, he has no interest in waiting in Hollywood offices to get his scripts read. In a 2012 conversation with TBIP, Karan Johar said he has no intention of working with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Will Smith. He said that, unlike Hollywood, Indian cinema has a vast audience even in the domestic sense. Karan Johar said, 'We have such a large domestic audience that we have never needed to reach out. I have no interest in whether my film releases anywhere else in the world but India. The diaspora, for sure… But I don't want to work with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and Will Smith. I don't want them in my movies." Karan added, 'I don't want to make an English language film. I have no interest in going down and sitting in an office in LA and waiting for an actor to hear my script. I have no interest. If they give me an Oscar in my lifetime, I'll accept it as gladly as I'd accept a National Award from the President. It'd probably mean more to me." The filmmaker said that while he watches the Oscars and enjoys the black-tie event on his television, he will not spend years of his life trying to win it. 'I love the movies I make. I love the world I live in. I love the fact that Hindi cinema is a part of my life. I feel blessed that I'm in this profession," Karan mentioned. He wished that Bollywood never needed to reach out to 'another country" to support its creative endeavours. Although Karan Johar mentioned that he didn't want Will Smith in his films, it is interesting that years later, the actor made a cameo in Student of the Year 2. The film was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. Meanwhile, Karan Johar recently critiqued Brad Pitt's F1. Karan Johar called F1 a fun watch despite being predictable. He wrote on Instagram, 'Familiar Tropes, predictable beats, one-liners you see coming a mile away and yet. SO MUCH FUN! You can't stop yourself from reaching the edge of your seat or gasping out loud (sic). Brad Pitt seems to have approached the role with a self-reflecting Zen mode movie star swag! So effective and landed every beat!" He said that he found the climax a bit weak, and ended by saying, 'Mildly underwhelmed with the climactic beat BUT don't miss this adrenaline race and rush (sic)."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kylie Kelce gets real with Priyanka Chopra Jonas in raw conversation about motherhood struggles and celebrity parenting
Kylie Kelce's podcast moment with Priyanka Chopra (Getty Images) When two powerhouse women like Kylie Kelce and Priyanka Chopra Jonas sit down for a conversation, sparks are bound to fly—especially when the topic is as raw and relatable as motherhood. On a recent episode of Kylie's Not Gonna Lie podcast, the NFL wife and the international superstar didn't just chat—they connected over something far deeper: the complex, messy, and beautiful reality of raising toddlers while juggling careers. Kylie Kelce and Priyanka Chopra Jonas bond over the chaos and beauty of motherhood Kylie Kelce kicked off the episode by asking Priyanka how she manages her work-life balance. The Quantico star didn't shy away from honesty. She admitted that while chaos once energized her in her 30s, her approach has shifted since entering her 40s, settling into marriage, and becoming a mom. 'Now I need structure,' she confessed, describing how planning her day, making to-do lists, and getting everything in order helps her stay grounded. 'It might sound obsessive, but it's second nature now.' For Priyanka, it's less about controlling everything and more about creating a rhythm that supports her peace of mind. Kylie on Jason 'Magic Mike' Stunt, Disney Throwbacks & Bollywood Dance with Priyanka Chopra | Ep. 25 Kylie, who's raising four young daughters with NFL star Jason Kelce, echoed the struggles many parents face—particularly when it comes to traveling with little ones. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She admitted that flying with her kids gives her anxiety, often discouraging her from traveling at all. That's where Priyanka's practical experience came in handy. The actress shared three go-to tips for making air travel with children less stressful. 'The more you do it, the more they get used to it,' she advised. 'You just have to load them in the car, take them to the airport.' Repetition, she stressed, is key. Her second piece of advice was all about timing and adjusting to new time zones. 'If they are up when it's daytime, let them stay up. Encourage it… so they don't jetlag,' she explained, recommending that parents keep children awake during long daytime flights to help ease transitions. And lastly, Priyanka emphasized the importance of keeping kids entertained. 'Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment,' she laughed. 'That doesn't mean you have to take loads of toys… I have little things in my bag. My daughter's obsessed with Moana. I have little Moana, little mini.' While Priyanka and her husband Nick Jonas are navigating parenthood with one child—Malti Marie, born via surrogacy three and a half years ago—Kylie's world is understandably a bit more chaotic. Her four daughters, including newborn Finnley Anne, make for a bustling household. Despite the contrast in family size, both women are thriving. Their conversation was a refreshing look into how strong, driven women tackle the chaos of motherhood—sometimes with a plan, sometimes just by holding on tight and laughing through it. Also Read: Jerry Jones had zero football knowledge when buying Cowboys? Daughter's ultimatum and shocking confession leaves Cowboys fans in disbelief For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'Kartik Aaryan is now being targeted like Sushant Singh Rajput': Singer Amaal Mallik makes shocking claims about Bollywood
Dark Parallels With Sushant Singh Rajput A Struggle Behind The Stardom Remembering Sushant, Raising the Red Flag Still Dancing Through the Storm You Might Also Like: Five years after Sushant Singh Rajput's death, sister Shweta urges fans not to lose heart even if CBI has submitted report In a scathing revelation that has sent tremors through Bollywood circles, music composer and singer Amaal Mallik has alleged that some of the most powerful producers in the Hindi film industry are actively trying to sideline actor Kartik Aaryan echoing a chilling déjà vu of what happened to the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput In a candid interview with Mirchi Plus, Mallik did not mince words. "He's also a newcomer who has come in, done his bit. Usko bhi 100 log hatane ke firaaq mein hain" (There are hundreds of people who are waiting to push him out), he said, referring to Aaryan. "Power play karte hain. Sab kuch karte hain bade bade producers, actors" (Power games are played. Big producers and actors pull every trick in the book). According to the musician, Bollywood has long operated as a closed circle where those not aligned with power centres are systematically strongest claims came when he compared Kartik's current struggles with the fate of Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide in June 2020. "Sushant Singh Rajput ki death ne in logon ka sab cheen liya..." (Sushant Singh Rajput's death stripped everything from these people), he said. "Aaj aap dekho, wohi cheezein, indirectly ya directly Kartik Aaryan ke saath karne ka bhi try karte hain log" (Today you'll see people trying to do the same things, directly or indirectly, with Kartik Aaryan). "Woh bhi unhi problems se joojh ke, dance karte hue nikla hai, smile karte hue" (He too has battled the same problems, yet kept going—dancing and smiling).He further added that the entertainment industry is so dark that 'logo ki life chali gayi' (people have lost their lives because of it). Speaking about Sushant's demise, he remarked, "Jo bhi unke saath hua, some blame it as murder, some blame it as suicide. Jo bhi ho, aadmi toh chala gaya na" (Whatever happened—some say it was murder, others suicide—but the man is gone, isn't he?).Kartik Aaryan, who rose from outsider status to become one of the most bankable stars in Hindi cinema, has long been the subject of speculation about being dropped or replaced from high-profile projects. While he continues to deliver hits—most recently in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Chandu Champion—rumors around behind-the-scenes politics have often clouded his statement, therefore, is not just an opinion—it reinforces a public sentiment that Bollywood's glitzy surface often hides uncomfortable realities. "The public has understood the reality of this industry... itni dark hai ki logo ki life chali gayi" (The public now understands just how dark this industry is—people have literally lost their lives because of it), he said. In doing so, he has brought back attention to an ongoing conversation about mental health, fairness, and power imbalances in the film Singh Rajput, whose death triggered a nationwide outpouring of grief, had also been rumoured to face similar industry isolation. His demise ignited a fierce debate around nepotism, favouritism, and the lack of institutional support for outsiders in Bollywood. Five years later, Mallik's comments seem to suggest that not much has Mallik, known for his melodic hits and celebrated work in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, is not just a chart-topping composer but also someone who's known to speak his mind. The elder son of composer Daboo Malik, Amaal has made a name for himself outside the shadows of Bollywood's nepotistic the headwinds, Kartik Aaryan continues to be a fan favourite. With a filmography ranging from romantic comedies like Pyaar Ka Punchnama to intense roles in Freddy and Dhamaka, the actor has proven his range and bankability. But if Amaal Mallik's words are any indication, the challenges he faces may go far beyond just picking the right Bollywood continues to grapple with its image in the post-Sushant era, voices like Mallik's may reignite urgent conversations around mental health, systemic exclusion, and the cost of success in India's most glamorous industry.
