HYDERABAD: “There are eight pieces and each one will look at life differently. There is cultural diversity and people tell their own stories,” explains actor Rajit Kapur. A day before the performance, the much-celebrated theatre actor talks about ‘One on One Part 2’ by Dramanon, which brought these diverse stories on stage to Hyderabad. “One on One Part 1 was a collage of contemporary India and it did very well. Now in part 2, there are new pieces of writing and different directors on board. I am acting in a monologue titled ‘Nobody’,” he says.
Stage has been a constant companion in his life and Rajit talks of the thrill he experiences in this creative pursuit. “If you already think you know and have achieved everything, you are not going to grow. There is always an excitement of being on stage, getting into a character and exploring it,” he points out.
Years have gone by since he starred as the iconic character Byomkesh Bakshi on television. Dibakar Banerjee’s Byomkesh Bakshi created for the big screen felt short of popularity when compared to him.
“I am surprised to see that people still hold that role in high regard. We did not expect this kind of recognition when we started it,” he says with a smile. Although Byomkesh was a highly popular show on television, Rajit says now he only watches news occasionally on the small screen. “I used to watch the series 24 . There has to be something that engages us creatively,” he states.
Rajit has his hands full with stage performances and two feature films. “I have a small role in R Balki’s Ki and Ka and a part in Baar Baar Dekho ,” he shares. Recalling a stage performance in Amsterdam, Rajit says, “We were overwhelmed with the way our play was received by the audience. Only music and dance were known to get that kind of appreciation abroad but theatre had bridged barriers,” he says.
Rajit rues he doesn’t get too many opportunities to perform in Hyderabad. “Twenty five years ago, I used to come to Hyderabad. Now, one doesn’t get a chance. The corporate sector has to wake up and support theatre,” he concludes.
