November 25th 2023.
Indore is experiencing a revitalization of its theatre scene with over 15 active groups performing plays in both Hindi and Marathi. Natya Bharti, one of the oldest theatre groups in the city, has been operating for the past 68 years, and was founded by Baba Dike, Rahul Barpute, and Vishnu Chinchalkar. The current leader, Shiram Jog, noted that technological advancements, increased awareness, and improved facilities have made it easier for theatre groups to deliver their craft to audiences.
Chaitanya Shah from the Rangrupia Theatre group, believes that the rising number of young people interested in pursuing television and web series careers has helped grow the theatre scene. He noted that these groups provide a valuable platform for those looking to develop their skills, gain experience, and showcase their talent.
The Art and Drama group by Sandeep Dubey commented that theatre also helps students gain confidence and make informed career choices, including acting, direction, singing, and dancing. They noted that parents are also encouraged by the idea that their children can use theatre as a stepping stone to a bigger stage.
Dilip Lokre, a veteran theatre artist, likened theatre to classical music, emphasizing that it requires dedicated practice and consistency to achieve optimal results. Nitish Upadhaya from the Anavaratt group discussed the impact of theatre on aspiring actors, citing prominent figures such as Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pankaj Tripathi who have credited their success to the learning experiences from theatre groups.
The evolution of theatre has shifted from conventional realism to more experimental, multidimensional approaches such as "nukaad natak" -- a divergence from the traditional box stage format seen in Lok Sayali that typically focused on social issues. Contemporary plays now take a more suggestive approach, allowing for interpretation and abstraction.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
