‘Theatre needs state support to survive in any country’
Before actor Manoj
Bajpayee (above) ventured into films, he spent years in Delhi studying theatre at the National School of Drama. Though he has established himself in Bollywood, theatre remains close to his heart. However, he feels it can only grow, if it gets the right support from the government. “If the state supports theatre activities and makes sure that the actors associated with it get required support, then theatre can become independent. If theatre is performing well in any part of the world, it is because the state supports the art form. Without that, theatre doesn’t thrive anywhere,” says Manoj, who is known for his films such as Satya (1998) and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).
The actor recently argued that the government should open an acting school in his hometown Belwa, in order to utilise the acting talent present there. “I want the government to take the initiative and really think about opening a film institute and theatre school in Bihar. There is so much talent and most of them don’t have the resources to go to a film school.” The actor is willing to help out in any way he can. “If I am of any help, I am ready to provide it. But alone, I don’t have money and resources to start a [theatre] school,” adds Manoj.
The cultural scene in Bihar is rich. There is so much talent and most of them don’t have the resources to go to a film school MANOJ BAJPAYEE, ACTOR