‘Theatre scene in the city is vibrant’

Says Shernaz Patel, who has been active in the industry for more than 30 years; adds that now is the best time to be in the industry

Each genre, each style has its dedicated audience. There are still people, who want to go out on a weekend to watch live entertainment and I think that’s fantastic.

SHERNAZ PATEL, ACTOR

Known for films such as Black (2005), Guzaarish (2010), Rockstar (2011) and many more, actor Shernaz Patel is also a wellknown name in the theatre circle as well. She is the artistic director of a theatre initiative, Aadyam, which has produced world-class plays including Twelve Angry Jurors and The Hounds of Baskerville.

Talking about being on stage, Shernaz says that the live medium keeps her going. “Theatre is a live medium. So, the joy of performing live is what makes people take up

theatre. The experience is always different which keeps it exciting all the time. Every show is new,” she adds.

Shernaz comes from a family of theatre actors and hence, has seen a lot of changes in the theatre scene in the city throughout the years. She says that the audiences, who come to watch a play, keep the magic of theatres alive. “The theatre scene in the city is vibrant, diverse and it’s driving. We have got so many plays of different languages happening simultaneously. There are small shows happening in small alternative venues as well along with big-budget shows. You have musicals nowadays and a lot of experimental plays with younger groups too. People are experimenting with language, style, genres and the best part is that audiences are coming and watching these shows. Each genre, each style has its dedicated audience. There are still people, who want to go out on a weekend to watch live entertainment and I think that’s fantastic. Now is a great time to be in theatres for sure,” she concludes.