In a particular scene in “Two to Tango, Three to Jive”, Achint Kaur coughs endlessly while on stage with Saurabh Shukla when someone from the audience actually gets up to offer her some water; until of course, he realizes that it’s only a part of the act! The talented actor known for her award winning role in the television series “Viruddh”, has been a familiar face in many others – “Banegi Apni Baat”, “Saaya”, “Kitty Party”, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”, “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki”, etc. Character roles in films have also defined her finesse as an actor.
In Delhi for her play that drew a thunderous applause at Kamani Auditorium, Achint Kaur talks about theatre, her progression as an artist and the various mediums that allowed her to perform in ways that were ever challenging.
From Pond’s face to television to films and theatre. How has this progression been for you as an individual?
I have been known as a television actor. But I always wanted to do theatre, to be part of all the platforms of performance because eventually all are part of learning and personal as well as professional growth. I took up theatre as a challenge because TV artists were looked down upon by theatre people.
Everything contributes to your progression – be it advertising, television, films or theatre. But stage opens you up. At a subconscious level, it gives you the confidence to fly. It gives you a stability and brings a certain balance to your performance. Theatre makes you grow in a way that you may not necessarily be embedded in the complexities of it initially but you gradually progress as it kills your inhibitions.
Which of these genres has appealed to you the most and why?
I like contemporary drama – comedy, even a thriller. Theatre particularly because on stage you cannot afford to go wrong. There is no scope for rectifying the error. It’s very scary if you goof up. That’s what keeps you on your toes. The audience reaction is immediate and it kills you if you have made a mistake. You also goof up for the other characters. So it’s a huge responsibility.
‘Two to Tango, Three to Jive’ completed 50 shows in Mumbai recently. With social media so active today, people are still watching theatre. Comment.
Technically theatre has evolved much from being simply a source of entertainment to becoming an art. It is now more realistic, issue based, way more interactive and the audience connect is instant. Also, ancient art forms are being adapted for plays in a modern context. Theatre, then, has surely stuck with people.
How did you prepare yourself for theatre?
People scared me a lot as far as my voice was concerned. So I got into practising breathing exercises which I regularly follow even today. This worked well for me. The rest I leave to my director.
What has been more satisfying as an artist – television or theatre?
Whatever gives instant gratification is always more satisfying because you get an instant audience reaction like in a drama. But satisfaction also comes from my TV roles and small film roles.
