Latest news with #PrithviTheatre
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aditya Rawal and Zahan Kapoor on Siachen: Theatre is dynamic and fluctuating
Aditya Rawal and Zahan Kapoor revisit 'Siachen,' a play exploring the emotional and creative depths of soldiers on the icy frontlines. Guided by Makarand Deshpande, they've refined the production based on audience feedback and personal artistic growth over two years. The play delves into themes of war, inner conflict, nationalism, duty, and identity, aiming for a sharper, more layered experience. As Siachen returns to stage this week, writer-actor Aditya Rawal and lead performer Zahan Kapoor, reflect on the emotional and creative journey behind the play that explores the icy frontlines of war and inner conflicts of soldiers. With new edits and deeper insights gained over two years of performances, the duo, guided by director Makarand Deshpande , promise a sharper and more layered experience, shaped as much by the audience reactions as by their own artistic evolution in the last two years. Excerpts from the conversation… Siachen is being staged again. What does it mean to both of you to return to this play now, and what can audiences expect this time around? Aditya Rawal: The play has been running for two years now, so every time we get together it feels like a homecoming, especially at Prithvi Theatre. This time around, we have made some new additions and edits, so the audience can expect a sharper, more engaging experience. Also, when it comes to theatre, actors and the technicians keep discovering things in a play - so they keep getting better. For example, when Al Pacino played Richard III, it was only after about 80 performances that he figured out how to utter one of the character's most famous lines, "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!'. Zahan Kapoor: It's always a pleasure to return to the rehearsal room and even more so when we are prepping for shows at Prithvi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Before Dying, My Husband Said, I'm Sorry. I Asked For What. You'll See. Then This Happened Novelodge Undo With each successive run, the learning has been incredible and a true testimony to how endless the process of discovery can be. I'd hope audiences are as intrigued as we are into the story, the characters and the presentation we have put together. Aditya, what was the initial spark behind writing Siachen? Did any particular incident, news story, or personal reflection set this story in motion? Aditya Rawal: As a keen student of military history, I was always fascinated by the Siachen Glacier, the coldest, highest battlefield on earth, where there has been a ceasefire since 2003. And yet, the best soldiers of India and Pakistan are deployed there to face the greatest enemy of all, mother nature. The sole deterrent to vacating our respective positions is the fear that the other will occupy it immediately after, thereby gaining the strategic high ground. To me, this conflict is emblematic of war, in general, and of all human conflict that stems from distrust. It is an absurd and tragic conflict, but the play asks: Is it also necessary? Zahan, how did you first come on board for Siachen? What about the script or character immediately spoke to you? Zahan Kapoor: Aditya and I were trying to make the most of our time during the second lockdown of the pandemic where we would read and discuss plays. Aditya mentioned that he had developed this story while he was in drama school and we decided to have a read. One thing lead to another, but it seemed like the perfect fit. A homegrown story, set against a unique backdrop and intimate so we could attempt to make it into something real. Working with Makarand Deshpande, what was special? Aditya Rawal: Makarand Deshpande is the director and guiding light of our play. The joy, freedom and lack of fear with which he approaches the creative process really stood out for me. Our cast and crew are all in their 20's or early 30's yet he always felt like the youngest person in the room. Working with him has shaped not only the play, but also all of us as artists. Zahan Kapoor: Mak sir is an incredible source of inspiration. I admire his sense of playfulness most of all, and then it's his sense of discipline and dedication. He has decades of experience and understands so many aspects of the theatre, it's truly amazing. Having him guide us as we searched for meaning and impact has been a pleasure and a privilege. Aditya, how did you strike a balance between the play's physical setting—the cold, isolating glacier—and the internal worlds of the characters? Aditya Rawal: The ideal is to be both immersive and engaging. You want the audience to believe in the world you create and be fully involved in it while telling them a story that is emotionally moving. The research I had done allowed me to feel secure in my knowledge of the world so I could focus completely on the characters and their journeys. If you understand both facets well enough, then the world invariably affects the characters and you're able to figure out how they would react in the given situation too. That said, you can never really know a world or people to the fullest - and our play reflects that sense of surrender as well. Zahan, coming from a rich legacy of theatre and film, what excites you about working in a contemporary original play like Siachen? Do you approach it differently than your other roles? Zahan Kapoor: I honestly try to approach all roles in a similar way. I'm very proud that we have presented an original story, and along side a very interesting cast and crew. It's our first step into building our own repertoire. Theatre is live, raw, and unpredictable. Were there any performances or rehearsals that stood out—either because they were challenging or unexpectedly moving? Aditya Rawal: The early rehearsals were challenging because we were trying to figure out the shape of the play. Then, with two weeks to go the actor in one of the lead parts had to drop out. Niketan Sharma stepped in and, guided by Makarand Sir, breathed life into the character superbly despite the shortage of time. So, basically the entire rehearsal process was memorable to me! As for shows, the two we performed in front of a packed audience at the Kamani Auditorium in Delhi; first at the biggest theatre festival in the world, NSD's Bharat Rang Mahotsav, and the month after at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards. Zahan Kapoor: Oh there's been so many, it's hard to choose! It's a wonderful feeling to make breakthroughs in rehearsal and equally, it's crushing yet deeply essential, to hit blocks and feel stuck too. Theatre really keeps your ego in check, it'll you get too carried away with 'getting it right' you'll quickly find yourself in a fix. It compels you to let go of expectations and discover afresh every time. Has the audience response from the earlier shows influenced the way you're approaching this restaging? Have any reactions stayed with you? Aditya Rawal: Absolutely. A play is an ever shifting, ever changing thing. Everything, even the actor's mood on the day, influences the nature of a performance. The reactions that are most dear to us are of the members of the armed forces that have come to watch our play, especially the ones that have served on the glacier and other high-altitude regions. When they say that the play reflects the experiences they had whilst serving - it makes everything we do feel worth it. Zahan Kapoor: Yes I think there have been many things we have learned from audience reactions, maybe some edits, maybe some clarifications; all in all, this is part of the beauty of theatre, its dynamic and fluctuating. We needn't try to fix it too much. Siachen touches on ideas of nationalism, duty, and identity. In today's climate, do you feel these themes are being received differently or more urgently? Aditya Rawal: Certainly. Because these themes are talked about more often and in greater depth, people have begun to appreciate the nuances of every difficult situation; the fact that nothing is truly black and white. Of course, there has been a regrettable swing the other way too, and telling stories like Siachen is our way to reveal aspects of humanity that are often ignored in conflict situations. Zahan Kapoor: It may seem so, there's definitely a sense of immediacy to some of the ideas, especially considering our recent conflict. Beyond simple arguments though, is always a deeply felt experience of loss, triumph, meaning and purpose. It all comes down to the clash of ideas and human emotions, that part is probably eternal.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Makarand Deshpande's group Ansh brings week-long festival to Mumbai's Prithvi Theatre
MUMBAI: The Ansh Theatre Group, helmed by actor, writer, and director Makarand Deshpande, is hosting a week-long festival at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, from July 8 to 13. The group says it is "curating some of Ansh's most powerful, long-running plays that have shaped contemporary Indian theatre over the last two decades." The festival ranges from intense dramas to thought-provoking conversations. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Makarand Deshpande said, 'Prithvi has always been our karmabhoomi . Bringing our long-running plays back here, all in one week, feels like a celebration — not just of Ansh, but of every actor, technician, and audience member who has kept the fire of live theatre alive. It is our way of coming home and saying thank you.' The festival began on July 8 with Sir Premacha Kai Karaicha , and today (July 9) it will stage Manushya . Over the next few days, the schedule includes Patni and Piyakkad . On Sunday, July 13, the festival will feature Natyacharcha — a conversation between Makarand Deshpande and Naseeruddin Shah — from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The same evening will see two shows of Sir Sir Sarla . Deshpande added, 'The week promises a rich mosaic of performances, each evening curated to reflect the artistic vision that Ansh has cultivated over the years — bold, heartfelt, and soul-stirring. It is a tribute to Ansh's legacy, but also a testament to the enduring magic of theatre.'
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bobby Darling says John Abraham ghosted her, he was once a really good friend: 'He didn't even reply, how can someone be so rude?'
It's been a while since one heard about Bobby Darling . While Bobby has been away from the limelight for a while, there's hardly anyone unaware about her. In a recent interview, she opened up on her journey in movies and the friends she made here over the years. She also revealed that she was very good friends with John Abraham but he has now stopped talking to her. Bobby shared that her breakthrough came with N Chandra's Style (2001). She said the film gave her two lasting connections—Riya Sen and her mother Moon Moon Sen , whom Bobby fondly called her 'second home' during an interview. She also revealed it was Riya who introduced her to John Abraham, recalling how close the three of them once were. 'He's very humble, down to earth and sweet. But he doesn't talk to me anymore, nor does he respond to my messages," she said during a chat with Bollywood Thikana. "There was a time when the three of us would go to Prithvi Theatre to have chicken dhansak, a Parsi dish. He liked it a lot. We also used to go to movies often. That time has passed. But what hurt me the most was when I texted him a year or two ago saying I wished to meet him, he didn't even reply. How can someone be so rude? He could have at least acknowledged the text,' she added further. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Cordoba (ver precio) Verisure Más información Undo Poll Do you think Bobby Darling deserves more recognition in the film industry? Yes, absolutely! No, she's had her time. Bobby elaborated, 'You interact even with rickshaw pullers… but when an old friend, who once supported you, reaches out, you should at least send a reply. Even if it's just, 'I'm busy, we'll meet some other time', do send it.' She also spoke about her current challenges and said she's looking for work. Bobby, known for films like Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002), Chalte Chalte (2003), Tum? (2004), Page 3 (2005), Kyaa Kool Hain Hum (2005), and Navarasa (2005), was most recently seen in the Bengali TV show Krishnakoli.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Close friend John Abraham ghosted me in time of need, says Bobby Darling: ‘He didn't even reply to my texts, how can someone be so rude?'
Bollywood is no stranger to friends turning into foes and the fallout of once-warm camaraderies. As unfortunate as such incidents are, the industry has witnessed many over the years. While some of these stories reached the public eye, quite a few others remained confined within the four walls of the industry. Recently, trans actor Bobby Darling shared one such story, recalling how her close friendship with John Abraham faded away. Opening up about her career and cinematic journey, Bobby shared that it was director N Chandra's Style (2001) that put her on the map. She also mentioned that working on the project gave her two invaluable gifts: actor-model Riya Sen and her mother, veteran thespian Moon Moon Sen, whom she described as her 'second home' during an interview. Bobby further revealed that it was Riya who introduced her to John Abraham. SCREEN Exclusive | Aamir Khan says already married to Gauri Spratt 'in my heart'; confirms he's starting work on Mahabharat film series 'He's very humble, down to earth and sweet. But he doesn't talk to me anymore, nor does he respond to my messages. There was a time when the three of us would go to Prithvi Theatre to have chicken dhansak, a Parsi dish. He liked it a lot. We also used to go to movies often. That time has passed. But what hurt me the most was when I texted him a year or two ago saying I wished to meet him, he didn't even reply. How can someone be so rude? He could have at least acknowledged the text,' she shared during a chat with Bollywood Thikana. 'You interact even with rickshaw pullers… but when an old friend, who once supported you, reaches out, you should at least send a reply. Even if it's just, 'I'm busy, we'll meet some other time', do send it,' she added. She explained that she is looking for work and has been facing hardship. Known for films like Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002), Chalte Chalte (2003), Tum? A Dangerous Obsession (2004), Page 3 (2005), Kyaa Kool Hain Hum (2005) and Navarasa (2005), Bobby Darling was most recently seen in the Bengali television soap opera Krishnakoli. ICYMI | Anoushka Shankar says father Pt Ravi Shankar's death made her 'a little freer' to share her story of sexual abuse: 'I was in immediate grief' Following the moderate success of Shivam Nair's political thriller The Diplomat (2025), in which he starred alongside Sadia Khateeb, Jagjeet Sandhu, Kumud Mishra, Sharib Hashmi, and Revathy, John Abraham is currently working on Arun Gopalan's Tehran, produced by Maddock Films, wherein he stars alongside Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa.
India.com
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This superstar was Zeenat Aman's 'school crush', secretly followed him during…, her first on-screen kiss with him became controversial, he is…
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman posted on social media and remembered her 'crush' and late actor. She said that she was crazy about this actor's sparkling eyes and charming personality since her school days. Zeenat also mentioned her meeting with the actor while sharing a clip of the film 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' on Instagram. Still couldn't guess which actor we are talking about? This actor was Zeenat Aman's school crush; he is… The actor in question is none other than Shashi Kapoor. Zeenat, in the post she revealed, 'I first met Shashi Kapoor when I was in boarding school in Panchgani. Shashi had come with his future wife, Jennifer, for the 'Shakespeareana Theatre Company' work. The students present there were impressed by Shashi Kapoor's performance on stage. He was an actor who was every girl's favourite.' Zeenat said that she tried very hard to get a glimpse of Shashi Kapoor. She said, 'I was lucky that Shashi lived in South Bombay, which was not very far from my house. Now neighbors talk, and soon the news spread that Shashi Kapoor goes out for a walk every evening at sharp 6 o'clock, then my friends and I used to try to get a glimpse of him on the pretext of 'fresh air' during the winter vacation. Of course, all we wanted was to get a glimpse of that film star!' When Zeenat worked with Shashi in films, she found him to be a cheerful and intelligent person. Zeenat said, 'When I worked with him, I realized that he was a funny, intelligent, and charming person. He made us laugh and talked a lot. We worked together in many memorable films like 'Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan', 'Chori Mera Kaam', and 'Vakil Babu'.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman) When Zeenat Aman shared her first on-screen kiss with Shashi Kapoor Referring to a scene from 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', Zeenat said that her first on-screen kiss scene was much talked about and there was a lot of uproar about it, but she was completely comfortable while shooting it. She said, 'This scene was a big moment in my career. I know I have already said a lot about Satyam Shivam Sundaram, but I decided to share this clip with you for two reasons.' She further added, 'There was a lot of uproar about this scene at that time, but it is actually very sacred. I really did not feel uncomfortable even for a moment while shooting it. Secondly, the school girl (Zeenat) still remembers that madness with the same excitement, because she worked on the silver screen with her 'crush' and her dream came true.' Praising Shashi, she said, 'He was a wonderful person. It is really very special to see his legacy flourish in the form of Prithvi Theatre.'
