[ad_1]
As HT City celebrates its 25 years, actor Pankaj Tripathi recalls how it also marks his 25-year journey in theatre, from the time he first acted for the debut edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) at the National School of Drama (NSD). ) in Delhi.
“Uss samay NSD ki library mein HT City padna shuru kiya tha… Kitna sukhad sahyog hai ki humara rangmanch (drama) ka safar 25 saal ka ho gaya hai aur HT City bhi,” says Tripathi, who is the Rang Doot officer ( brand ambassador) of this year’s BRM, which starts today across India.
This is the first time NSD has appointed anyone in this capacity, and Tripathi is “excited” to play his role in popularizing theater at his alma mater.
For someone who works fully in cinema, it is rare that he supports theater. Tripathi says, “Maine accept kiya Rang Doot banna kyunki mujhe laga ki cinema ke popular hone ka fayda (uthaun)… Mai theater se aaya hua abhineta hun toh theater ke liye nayi audience jodun. If a new audience starts watching theater because of me, toh mujhe lagega mera Prayas sarthanks hua. Kyunki theater ki live performance ka sukh alag hi hai. Jaise Bharat Muni ne kaha thaa, natak hummein ullas, anad aur gyan bharta hai.”
“Log reels kitne dekhte hain, par do ghante pehle dekha hua yaad nahi rehta,” says the actor, forcing people to get into the habit of watching theater and buying tickets. Eager to get back on stage, he adds, “Aap jis bhi shahar mein hain, jaiye play dekh ke aiye… I have been away from the stage for about 4-5 years. I haven’t acted, but I see at least 10 productions a year across India. This year I want to perform live. Mujhe stage bula raha hai.”