On World Theatre Day, Aahana Kumra, Himani Shivpuri, Rajeev Siddhartha recall their days on stage

Zee Theatre is paying tribute to theatre artistes on World Theatre Day today with a special show, Tales of Theatre, where five theatre artistes who are also popular TV and film artistes — Aahana Kumra, Himani Shivpuri, Dilnaz Irani, Rajeev Siddhartha and Karan Veer Mehra — share stories from their creative journeys and reminisce about their days on stage.

Kumra, who has featured in several films and web-series, says, "Theatre is the reason why I became an actor. This snapshot is from my first-ever sold-out show, By George, for Motley, directed by none other than Naseeruddin Shah. This was my debut on stage as a professional and right after this performance I went and hugged him and wept with joy. That was the beginning of a story that I continue to be a part of till date."

Looking back on her journey with wonder, veteran actress Shivpuri says, "My story began while doing my MSc in Organic Chemistry, when I got to know about the National School of Drama and left my academic career to join it.

"I went on to join the NSD Repertory Company where I did beautiful plays like Mitro Marajani, Othello, Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak and Aazar Ka Khwab. My most memorable role was in Mitro Marajani, based on Krishna Sobti's Sahitya Akademi award-winning novel.

"Mitro is a bold character and it was a challenge to play it. In fact, Krishna Sobtiji embraced me after watching the play and said, 'You have brought my Mitro to life. This is how I imagined her to be.' I treasure her words and wish more stories like this were written today."

Rajeev Siddhartha, who came to the limelight with his performance in the web-series Aashram (2020), recalls, "My theatre story began when I was eight years old and we did a play called The Stone Soup. I had to come on stage, take my jacket off, and say my lines. It was, I suppose, the beginning of a lifelong journey and exploration.

"Since then I have been fortunate enough to do many plays as a professional actor and I dare say I am getting to a point where, far from being a bundle of nerves before going on stage, I now feel at home when I make my entrance. This photograph is from the play Aadhe Adhure where I worked with veterans like Lillete Dubey and Mohan Agashe.”