Perfecting love

Performing the play, ‘Love Letters’ since 21 years now, theatre, television and film actor Rajit Kapur feels that each time his act only gets better than the last one

Askari Jaffer

Actor Rajit Kapur’s persona as ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ so dominated the small screen seven years ago that he continues to be known by that name. Primarily a theatre actor, he has never tired of perfecting the role he has been playing for over two decades now, in the play ‘Love Letters’. He is now training some members of the cast of a television show on ‘Mahabharata’ that will be aired on Star Plus from September 16. He was in Hyderabad to judge theatre group, Dramanon’s short-play contest and stage his popular play ‘Love Letters’ at an event by ‘Ballantines’.

Excerpts from an interview:

Which is your first love: theatre, television or cinema?

I consider theatre to be my first love. I find it more challenging than any other fields. I was into acting in plays right from my childhood. I have been always fascinated by theatre.

You are still recognised as ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ – a character on television that you must have played several years ago!

Yes, people still recognise me as ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’. I am happy that people have not forgotten that character even after so long.

‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ was an investigative serial. How is it different from serials of the genre being broadcast today?

Investigative serials require latest techniques and they have to be presented in the best form. As technology has advanced, the cost of production for serials has come down. I think we must generate more content and good subjects for serials.

What kind of memories do you cherish from the show and the character?

We spent around 6-7 months continuously on shoot. In summer, the entire cast had a tough time. I was lucky as I was wearing a dhoti. I would skip lunch and eat ice-cream instead. The serial was shot as if it were a film.

You started your career with theatre and then moved to cinema. What’s next in the line? Is there any new arena that you are looking to explore?

I have directed a few movies for television. I have directed plays on stage too. But I haven’t directed any film so far. Someday I will hopefully do that too.

Which is your memorable role?

The play ‘Love Letter’, will always be memorable. I have been doing it for 21 years. It is memorable because we do the same thing every time and continue to attain perfection.

Tell us about the workshops you are conducting for the upcoming serial, ‘Mahabharata’?

I don’t usually conduct workshops, but I have trained some members of the cast of ‘Mahabharata’, including Rohit Bharadwaj, who is playing Yudhishtir. I have also trained those who are playing the characters of Shakuni, Dhritarashtra, Arjuna and all the five Pandavas. Some of them have pronunciation issues; some are working on their volume levels, while few others are improving their diction. Speech is very important in this show as the Hindi spoken is unlike what we speak in Mumbai. It is pure Sanskritised Hindi. These workshops have been going on for a year now. Some actors joined recently while others have been on board for months.

Any upcoming films?

‘Mishor Rohoshyo’ will be coming soon. It is a Bengali adventure thriller. ‘Singh Sahab The Great’ is another one, I make a special appearance in this. Next is ‘Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baaris’; it is Deepti Naval’s movie.

What do you look for in a film?

I could be anything. It only has to excite me.