On March 27, 2025, the world celebrates World Theatre Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring the rich legacy of theatre and its vital role in society. This year, the theme "Theatre and a Culture of Peace" emphasizes the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and harmony among diverse communities. The origins of World Theatre Day trace back to 1961, initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) to promote the significance of theatre as an art form and its capacity to inspire change.
As part of the celebrations, Bollywood actors reflected on their first experiences on stage, providing a glimpse into their journeys in the world of theatre. Richa Chadha, known for her versatile performances, fondly recalled her debut in the play Aur Kitne Tukde while she was still in the 11th grade. Directed by Kirti Jain and featuring seasoned actors from the National School of Drama (NSD) repertory, Richa said, "I was cast as an extra, which worked well for me because I got to observe amazing actors from the NSD at close quarters and learn from them. Also, I had braces, and it was a period play."
Pankaj Tripathi, another celebrated actor, shared memories of his first play, Leela Nandlal Ki, based on a story by Bhisham Sahni. Directed by NSD alumnus Vijay Kumar, Pankaj played dual roles of a cop and a thief. He expressed surprise at the positive reception from the audience in Patna, despite his lack of formal training at the time.
Ali Fazal’s theatre journey began with the play A Guy Thing, written and directed by American playwright Michael Puzzo. However, he fondly remembered his very first experience on stage during boarding school in Dehradun. "I remember holding on to the light on the steps of the famous amphitheater of The Doon School and being tasked with the all-important task of uttering this single line of dialogue – ‘You blithering nincompoop!’" he recounted with a smile.
Abhishek Banerjee discovered his passion for theatre during his school days but honed his craft at Kirori Mal College (KMC) in Delhi through the prestigious Players Society. "Years of avoiding class had resulted in low marks, and I wasn't sure what I'd do in life. But one day, as I anchored an event, an irritated teacher said, ‘You're only good for this.’ Others might get insulted, but to me, it was a sign!" he reflected on his unexpected journey into acting.
Shweta Tripathi, who now owns a theatre company, shared how her love for the stage ignited after watching actor Yashpal Sharma perform. "There was a scene on top of a train, and I fell in love with it. Theatre also gave me a lifelong gift – my husband, rapper Chaitnya Sharma (Slow Cheeta), whom I met through my stage journey," she explained.
Parul Gulati, who began her acting career at a young age, expressed her desire to produce a play, stating, "Theatre keeps me alive." Akshay Oberoi, whose theatre journey commenced at Johns Hopkins University, later trained at the Stella Adler Studio in New York and Playhouse West in Los Angeles. "Theatre is the place where I learned what good-quality acting is, despite the genre. Today, whoever I am, it is because of this place. I am grateful to have gotten this opportunity to fulfill my dreams," he shared.
World Theatre Day not only celebrates the contributions of actors but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of theatre in society. As Harish Monga, a theatre enthusiast who performed at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh from 1976 to 1986, noted, theatre is a unique space where performers can showcase their talents in live performances, unlike the film industry where retakes are possible. He reminisced, "I performed more than 15 plays in Hindi and Punjabi at Tagore Theatre. The success of the play depends on the live performance by the characters and the training they receive from the director."
Monga recounted a memorable experience where he accepted a challenging role as a postman, making a significant impact despite having only a brief stage presence. He humorously recalled, "I made my entry on the stage with the moving of my left shoulder with every word while delivering the letter to a lady in the play. To my surprise, the character was established to the extent that after the play, all congratulated me for my short role."
World Theatre Day is also marked by various global events, including special performances, workshops, and discussions aimed at promoting the arts and advocating for support for theatre. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of artistic expression and its capacity to address social issues. It encourages young talent to explore their creativity and engage with theatre, inspiring the next generation of artists.
The celebration of World Theatre Day is not just a recognition of the past but a call to action for the future. As we reflect on the contributions of theatre to culture and society, it is essential to acknowledge its role in fostering empathy, understanding, and peace. The impact of theatre transcends borders, making it a universal language that connects people from diverse backgrounds.
As we commemorate World Theatre Day 2025, let us appreciate the artistry, creativity, and dedication of those who bring stories to life on stage. Whether through laughter, tears, or contemplation, theatre continues to resonate deeply within our hearts, reminding us of our shared humanity.
