I FOUND FREEDOM IN THEATRE: RAJIT
The acclaimed film and theatre actor goes down memory lane — his first play, direction and more
Rajit Kapoor has been part of the theatre circuit for 30 years, and having also worked in Marathi, Bengali, and Malayalam films, the actor has a wealth of experience when it comes to cinema. A popular name on Delhi stage, he was recently in the Capital for his stage appearance with actor Naseeruddin Shah, in the much-acclaimed play A Walk in The Woods. We chat with the actor about his stage career.
Three decades in theatre... How did it all begin?
I’ve been doing theatre since I was six. But on a professional level, it was immediately after college in 1985. As a child, I found freedom of expression in theatre, and appreciation while doing it. So, I began to feel that I was doing something right and developed those skills gradually. I began to fall in love with the whole process.
Do you remember your first play? I’ve been doing plays since I was in school. I remember my first play in Prithvi theatre in Mumbai, it was a college production. The first time we performed at Prithvi, there was 80-90% occupancy. Something like that, students performing to a near full-house was quite overwhelming during that time. It was a big thing for us.
How did you get into directing plays?
I used to direct in college, but on a professional level, it was something that fell into my lap. It was during the Writer’s Block, a program that we had initiated and we still continue to conduct. Shernaz (Patel) came to me and said, ‘There is this play that has no director. Why don’t you direct it?’
Any memories of the first play you directed?
I remember the opening night very well. The play was called Epilogue. It was quite a tough play, not many came forward to direct it. But it was good to work with actors, it gave me a new perspective towards things and I enjoyed the process thoroughly.
How did films happen?
Films happened because of theatre. Mr Shyam Benegal saw a performance of mine for a play called, Love Letters. After the show, he came to me and shook my hand. The next day he called me and said, ‘I am doing a film and I’d like you to be a part of it. Why don’t you come and meet me?’ He then gave me the script and said, ‘Read this character and tell me if it interests you.’ He did not ask me to audition. His only question was whether I was comfortable speaking Hindi and I said, ‘Sir, you can test it,’ and that was it.
How do you choose your roles? As an actor, I’m not looking for anything in particular. I was always looking for something that excites me. It is not something that I can pinpoint in tangible terms. If something excites me and triggers off a reaction, I’ll do it. What do you make of the theatre circuit now?
The big difference is that even the younger generation is getting involved. Earlier, you’d only see people aged above 30 years in the audience. Younger people are getting more involved with theatre; they are only looking for creative fulfilment, irrespective of where they’re performing. And that’s a good sign.
Today, younger people are getting more involved with theatre; they are only looking for creative fulfilment, irrespective of where they’re performing. And that’s a good sign. RAJIT KAPOOR ACTOR