Learning at every step

Happy Ranajit is the director of the play ‘Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda’, which is based on Dharamvir Bharti’s acclaimed Hindi short novel. He has completed his degree with specialisation in acting in the year 2008 from the National School of Drama (NSD) and has acted in more than 60 plays. He also conducts acting workshops and directs plays, apart from writing plays. He was in Hyderabad for the 19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

How did you make it to National School of Drama?
I started theatre with my father. Later, I attended a theatre workshop by Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and came to know about NSD. I attended an interview but got it at the second attempt only.

Is theatre a good medium for a career?
Yes. But only if are trained and good at your work. If you are trained, people take you seriously. If you are very good at it, then people will also pay and you can survive.

What is important for a young entrant in the theatre?
Sincerity and hard work. One must have a keen interest to learn at every step.

Whom do you admire in the theatre?
I admire the work and contribution of Prof. Tripurari Sharma from NSD.

What is the message behind the play 'Suraj Ka Satwan Ghoda’?
I feel it’s a reflection of our society. It’s a satire on the hypocrisy of middle-class mentality. In the current political and social scenario, in spite of all darkness and hopelessness, we have to look forward with a hope. Even though there is corruption, failure and negativity, having a positive attitude in life is the message behind the play.

Do theatre actors have a long-term commitment to the theatre?
Sadly theatre doesn't pay an actor very well. Just to survive on theatre acting is a tough job so actors don't have any choice but going to other mediums. Of course, I have also seen many actors with a strong commitment to theatre. But actors of the new generation are just using it as a ladder for films.

Is the younger generation having good concentration levels in workshops and classes?
One cannot generalise. But some of them do pay attention and have interest, while some of them come for short cuts.

How has social media helped theatre, if at all?
It has helped in a big way. The promotion and outreach through social media is a very useful tool to spread the word about our work.

By Jaywant Naidu