World Theatre Day | Yodha actor Vishal Sudarshanwar: Stepping onto the stage has always felt like stepping into a familiar world

Actor Vishal Sudarshanwar, who was recently seen in the Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Yodha, has been active in theatre, too.

Actor Vishal Sudarshanwar, who was recently seen in Yodha, has been a part of Bollywood as well as theatre, and he always found the stage a very familiar atmosphere. He calls it his comfort place, where he has always felt a connection.

Speaking on the occasion of World Theatre Day, which is observed on March 27, he said, “When I reflect on my first performance, I realise that I didn't experience any stage fright or hesitation. For me, stepping onto the stage has always felt like stepping into a familiar world, one where I can deeply connect with my character and the essence of the play. Despite the presence of the imaginary fourth wall, I've always cherished the opportunity to engage with the audience directly.”

“Far from feeling nervous, I actually feel more at ease in their presence, as their energy and response fuel my performance and enrich the theatrical experience for both myself and the spectators. In essence, the stage has always been a space of comfort and connection for me, where I can fully immerse myself in the art of storytelling and share meaningful experiences with those who join me on this creative journey,” he added.

Asked how theatre helped his career, he said there are several stalwarts whose brilliance left an indelible mark on him. He continued, “The maestros like Habib Tanveer, Shriram Lagoo, Tom Alter, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Shabana Azmi, Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Virendra Saxena, and Jyoti Dogra are among the actors who have inspired me immensely. These luminaries are not merely performers on the stage; they are true architects of Indian theatre, redefining the art form and infusing it with new dimensions and meanings. Each of them brings a unique perspective and approach to their craft, enriching the theatrical landscape with their unparalleled talent and dedication.”

“Personally, I have had the privilege of learning from these legends, drawing inspiration from their performances, and imbibing valuable lessons along the way. For instance, I had the opportunity to learn the art of adapting short stories into plays from the esteemed Naseeruddin Shah, a mentor whose guidance has been invaluable in my journey as both an actor and a writer,” he added.

Vishal even recalled the time when he got the chance to collaborate with Virendra Saxena, who directed his first play in Mumbai based on Munshi Premchand's short story Gulli Danda. He said, “Working alongside him was a transformative experience, shaping not only my artistic sensibilities but also my understanding of storytelling and character portrayal.”

“Even today, I continue to look up to these luminaries as beacons of artistic excellence, constantly learning and evolving with each encounter. Their contributions to the world of theatre are nothing short of legendary, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be inspired by their boundless talent and creativity,” he ended.