CAMPUS EVENTS CULTURE ADVENTURE I USED TO HANG OUT IN STEPHEN’S: DUBEY

Actor Lillete Dubey, an LSR passout, talks about her love for theatre, her college days in the Capital and her upcoming play CATCH IT LIVE

Iam a Delhiwaali completely,” shares actor and director Lillete Dubey and credits the city in helping her hone her dramatic skills. Although she moved to Mumbai in 1996, her love for Delhi has remained intact. “I have very strong roots in the Capital. As far as theatre is concerned, it is here, I learned my craft. Kamani was my stomping ground for years,” she says.

However, the dramatics society of her Delhi University college days helped her evolve as an actor. “I joined Delhi University, Lady Shri Ram College for Women in ‘71. We had an active dramatics society, but we did like one play in a year. I used to hang out in Stephen’s mostly —it was not co-ed then and they were always looking for girls who can act. There, we established Theatre Action Group and Shah Rukh (Khan), Manoj (Bajpayee) became a part of the group much later,” says the actor, who has featured in films such as Monsoon Wedding (2001), Kal Ho Na Ho (2003). “I can’t do any play, it has to have much more meaning, relevance and depth. I, unconsciously gravitate towards strong female characters.” Dubey has previously directed plays such as Gauhar, 9 Parts of Desire and is determined to direct a feature next year.

The actor will be directing and acting the Mahesh Dattani’s play, 30 Days In September to be staged in Gurgaon tonight, which explores issue of child sexual abuse and a fractured relationship between a mother and a daughter. “The play is tight, gripping and is based on some actual stories. I said to Dattani, ‘I’d do it as long as it’s not preachy’. Through the play, we are reflecting what is happening around us. It’s particularly special as my daughter Ira is playing the role,” she concludes.