Drama Queen

The new theatrical play titled ‘Drama Queen’ presented by AGP World draws inspiration from Suchitra Krishnamoorthi’s biography and will show her in a never seen before avatar for the first time after a hiatus of more than a decade. A film actor, writer, singer, painter, candle-maker – Suchitra Krishnamoorthi with this will debut in the theatrical space. A slice of life peppered with humour, the play is a complete emotional roller coaster. ‘Drama Queen’ will be showcased in Hyderabad on the February 3, at Hotel Sheraton.

What makes you explore theatre?
When I was a student I was that girl who was always on stage. Everybody who knows me from that early time remembers me as the girl who was always acting, singing and debating on stage. Apparently even during free periods, etc in school I would climb onto the teacher’s platform and start reciting poetry or singing songs. I did a musical play ‘Peanuts’, while still a student and we travelled all across the country performing shows. ‘Drama Queen’ is my return to my core in that sense. The theatre is a very daunting art form and I wanted to test myself to see if I am still up to the challenge. I am loving the high of performance.

Is there any particular reason for choosing this story to enact?
I have been trying to find a suitable material for theatre for a few years now and also toyed with some other scripts. It was then that Ashvin Gidwani suggested I write ‘Drama Queen’ into a play. It’s a novel of mine that released at the end of 2013 and met with a very good response from readers. So I gave it a shot and it worked out well.

Has it been very different from Bollywood?
Acting on screen is much, much easier. You get many retakes and can afford to have a bad day. In theatre, you have to give 100 per cent all the time or you will lose your audience. I would compare my theatre experience more to my music shows - it’s all about the current moment.

How are the 'painting' projects going on?
My painting is going on well. Painting relaxes me - also it’s an art practised in private. So if a canvas turns out bad you can always hide it or throw it.

As your creativity explores different avenues, do you miss any of your other talents today?
I'd like to think I still have my talents intact so what’s to miss. I enjoy exploring different avenues of expression and continue to do things I have always done while adding more to my repertoire. I am a very restless person and can’t sit still- I have to keep doing something. I guess it’s why God was kind and gave me varied talents and ways to express myself - I would surely go crazy otherwise.

Who is your inspiration in life?
No one in particular. But I do admire women, who have been able to strike a balance between kids and career. I didn’t work outside the home for a long time as I always prioritised motherhood over work. It’s only now, in the last two or three years that I am getting more active.

What is the difference in approach to arts in India and abroad?
In India, artists and creative minds are not treated as well as their counterparts abroad – neither financially nor in terms of respect and status. In India, the obsession with movies and movie stars is a bit too ridiculous to the point of neglecting other achievers. Even sportsmen and sportswomen, who win gold medals internationally, become known only after movies are made on them.

By Askari Jaffer