Theatre has helped me sharpen my craft: Paresh Rawal

Kishan V/S Kanhaiya, which premiered on August 15, 2011, is one of the most memorable plays of veteran actor Paresh Rawal. Over the last seven years, it has completed 500 shows and has been staged across India as well as various parts across the globe including the United States, London, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and East Africa. The piece tells the story of a small-time conman and an antique dealer who is an atheist. However, a dramatic twist in Kishan’s life overturns his rational outlook and compels him to reconsider the existence of god. The 2012 Hindi film, OMG — Oh My God!, which starred the senior actor as well as superstar Akshay Kumar, was based on the same play. 

Over the course of time, the makers have also added new scenes, dialogues as well as characters in the production and termed it as Kishan V/S Kanhaiya (Reloaded). Paresh, who is excited with the show’s immense success, says, “I’m very happy. The nature of the play is such that we get great content from the world and the society at large. So, we can add or delete a lot of stuff to ensure that it remains fresh. We can also incorporate topical things in it. After Oh My God — OMG’s release, more shows of the play were staged. In fact, we have accumulated so much material that we can even write and shoot a new film. I would love to act in it.” 

Talking about the additions, he adds, “Two new characters and scenes, apart from several dialogues, have been added. It’s a conscious effort by the entire team as we are enthusiastic to retain its novelty.”  Quiz him what is the USP of the play that has helped it strike a chord with the audience over the years, and he replies, “Whatever has been shown on stage are the things that we have always felt and wanted to say. And now one person is finally voicing their feelings. So, the audience feels as if their inner emotions are being depicted on stage.”  

The 63-year-old, who started his career with Gujarati plays, owes his success to the stage. He elaborates, “The economy of theatre permits me to experiment as an actor with different roles, which is not possible in films. I have sharpened my craft with the help of it.” Despite having a frenetic schedule, the Padma Shri recipient manages to strike a balance between theatre and films. Next year, he will present two new productions to the audience. “I am working on two new pieces in Hindi and Gujarati, which will premiere in 2019.” 

Kishan V/S Kanhaiya (Reloaded) will be staged today at 7 pm at Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.