The great Laurence Olivier was asked in a radio interview if he could leave listeners, with a tip on acting. He said he could, he would in one word: “listen!” I have told my cast before they go on stage on opening night Continue reading
A powerful performance always leaves an everlasting impression. It lingers on and resides in you longer than any motion picture. An experience which whenever recalled still gives you goosebumps! Ever thought about the mortals who create such experiences. The perseverance and passion they possess to constantly nurture talent and create phenomenal drama. Arundathi Raja and … Continue reading
Of desultory applause and ‘lawful’ suspense! The scene is straight out of an incident that happened a few days ago. I reluctantly agree to be the Chief Guest at a function related to theatre. A taxi comes to take me to the other end of the city. It is obviously a long journey. I am … Continue reading
Over 25 years ago, (it was 1989), I was met by the Director of The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium who asked if I would record the English commentary for the first programme to be projected in the sky dome. I’ve done it ever since. Today, 17/01/17, I was driven in from Whitefield by an Ola driver … Continue reading
Rukmini Vijayakumar from Bengaluru is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and also a savvy modern and ballet dancer. She occasionally lights up the big screen with her acting stints too. She was in Hyderabad for ‘Gudi Sambaraalu’, the Telangana Temple Festival recently organised by the Telangana Heritage Trust. Rukmini along with members of her dance troupe … Continue reading
“There is an art to science,” said Isaac Asimov, “And a science in art; the two aren’t enemies, but different aspects of the whole.” This has been borne out in theatre in Bengaluru. This year, Gautam Raja’s The Vaidya’s Oath, on antimicrobial resistance, and Nilanjan Choudhury’s The Square Root of a Sonnet, on the life … Continue reading
“Well, doesn’t the audience know that it’s a live performance and there are going to be changes in the scene that won’t happen with the snap of a finger like they’re watching TV or a video? Read More Continue reading
Strains of memories… Aruna Sunderlal came to Jagriti Farm sometime in the 80s along with her husband Raj. A friend wanted Arundhati and me to welcome the newly arrived pair to Bangalore. To our great surprise, Aruna eased into song and filled our home with the most beautiful operatic mezzo soprano that I have ever heard! … Continue reading