Category: To Listen

Experimental theatre has grown and has experimented with itself over time. From the first sessions in the halls of Chhabildas High school to rehearsals and performances in specially built, intimate performance spaces. From handling socially aware topics to exploring movement and performance, the experimental theatre has come a long way.

Vijaya Mehta is a noted Indian Marathi film and theatre director and also an actor in many films from the Parallel Cinema. She is a founder member of Mumbai-based theatre group, Rangayan with playwright Vijay Tendulkar, and actors Arvind Deshpande and Shriram Lagoo. She became a major figure in 60s Marathi experimental theatre.

Sushama Deshpande An actor, director, playwright, author, and theatre activist, Sushama Deshpande, a communications professional, is passionate about theatre. As the proprietor of Anjor Communications, she’s spearheaded a number of documentary films on issues like women, health, social standing, and politics. Through her work, Sushama aims to apply different cultural forms and communication techniques like theatre to empower women and men around the globe.

Theatre, film and acting are in her DNA. Sanjana takes us through an incredible journey over five decades of Indian theater.

Sanjna Kapoor (born 1967) is an Indian theatre personality. She is the daughter of Shashi Kapoor and the late Jennifer Kendal. She ran the Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai from 1993 to February 2012.

Abhiram Bhadkamkar Abhiram Bhadkamkar has made a significant impact in film, theatre and literature. He is a playwright and an author, and has also worked as an actor and director for his own scripts. Abhiram’s plays are performed in a myriad of languages including Marathi, Hindi, Kannada, and Gujarati. His directed film projects have been presented and well-received at international and national film festivals, while his film acting endeavors have won him praise and awards. He is also an internationally published author.

An acting institution unto her own: Rohini Hattangadi has been in the theatre and film businesses for four decades, with award-winning performances in a multitude of languages.

Catch her speaking about all things theatre, chronicling her journey on stage, here!

Geetanjali Kulkarni, an alumnus of National School of Drama (1996), is an actor working in professional as well as experimental plays in Marathi and Hindi.
Padma Damodaran is a Mumbai-based actor, director, writer and trainer, who has experience across genres and mediums. With vast expertise in performing in plays, films and web series, Padma has dabbled in both contemporary and classical genres.

Chinmay Mandlekar – An alumnus of the National School of Drama, Mandlekar has written, directed, and acted in successful plays such as Bechaki, Albatya Galbatya and Sukhanshi Bhandto Aamhi. In films, Mandlekar is active as an actor and a writer and has starred in Marathi movies like Zenda, Morya, and Gajaar: Journey of the Soul. On the small screen, his role opposite Mrunal Dusanis in the hit TV serial ‘Tu Tithe Me’ turned him into a household name in Maharashtra. Mandlekar is also the screenplay writer for the hit marathi TV series’ Asambhav, Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta and Eka Lagnachi Teesri Goshta.

Pratima Kulkarni’s first film as an independent director ‘School’, had the honour of being selected as India’s entry to the Cairo International Children’s Film Festival in November 2005.

HRISHIKESH JOSHI Born in Kolhapur, Hrishikesh Joshi is a Marathi actor known for his fluent performances across movies, television and theatre. His roles in Harishchandrachi Factory, Yellow (2014 film), Aajcha Divas Majha and Vishnupant Damle: The Unsung Hero of Talkies among others won him recognition and appreciation of noted theatre professionals.

Chandrakant Kulkarni is a director, scriptwriter and actor associated with Marathi theatre and film. He is known for his works of directing the plays Wada Chirebandi, Dhyanimani, Gandhi Virudh Gandhi and most recently the remake of Hamidabaichi Kothi.