From the age of four, when I first stepped onto the stage, the theatre felt like home. The electric energy of live performance, the immediacy of the audience’s response, and the visceral connection between actor and viewer have left an indelible mark on me. Today, as we stand on the cusp of a cultural renaissance, it’s interesting to inquire why this ancient art form remains vital, particularly in a country as diverse and dynamic as ours. This personal passion for the stage led me to speak to Neil Bhoopalam—an actor who has gracefully traversed the realms of film, television, OTT, and, most notably, theatre. Known for his nuanced performances across mediums, Bhoopalam’s career is deeply rooted in the craft of live performance. Our conversation explored why theatre continues to hold a unique power in shaping both actors and audiences alike.
First Love: The Actor’s Medium
For Bhoopalam, theatre will always be the ‘actor’s medium.’ He compares acting across different platforms to a cricketer adapting to various game formats. “On stage, it’s just you, the audience, and the moment—you are completely exposed,” he explains. “The director can’t save you with a cut or a retake in theatre. You’re walking a tightrope, and the audience is with you.”
This vulnerability is what makes live performance so thrilling. Despite his success in film and television, theatre remains his artistic home because of its raw, unfiltered nature. “You’re out there, completely at the mercy of the energy in the room,” he adds, emphasising how live audiences have a direct impact on performance.
The Show Must Go On
No matter how seasoned an actor is, unexpected moments are inevitable on stage. Bhoopalam recalls an incident during a performance of Noises Off, a farcical play where chaos unfolded both on stage and off. “My friend and colleague Vijay Acharya dislocated his shoulder during the show. He performed Acts One and Two but couldn’t go on for Act Three. I was in the audience and ended up jumping in to perform. It worked because, according to the play’s storyline, the actor was threatening to quit. The audience thought it was part of the show,” he says with a laugh. These unpredictable moments are part of the beauty of theatre, where actors are often forced to think on their feet and embrace the chaos.
The Bigger Story
In a country where cinema often dominates, theatre still holds a unique place in shaping societal conversations. Bhoopalam believes that live performance is one of the most active forms of storytelling, engaging audiences in a way that film simply cannot. “When you watch a film, you’re being shown ‘this is a beach’ or ‘this is Paris.’ In theatre, it’s up to the audience to interpret the world you’re creating on stage.”
This interaction makes theatre necessary, especially in a post-pandemic world. “When I returned to the theatre after the lockdown to watch a play, I realised how essential this art form is. Theatre taps into our collective being—our emotions, our empathy,” he reflects.
An Evolution In Theatre
Bhoopalam remains optimistic about the future of theatre in India. His recent experience with The Nether, a dystopian play about morality and free will, gives him hope for the direction theatre can take. “It was a thought-provoking show that ran full house,” he says. Productions like these remind him of why theatre continues to captivate both performers and audiences. For younger generations who may not have grown up with live theatre, Bhoopalam offers an analogy: “It’s like trying to explain the taste of coffee to someone who’s never had it,” he laughs. “You have to experience theatre to understand its effect. It’s raw, it’s live, it’s real. You’re drawn into another world, and when you leave the auditorium, you’re a changed person.” Theatre, with its unfiltered emotion and connection, remains a vital force in a world of fleeting digital moments. “It’s character-building in a way that no amount of money can buy,” Bhoopalam says.
As our conversation draws to a close, Bhoopalam reflects on why, despite the evolution of film and digital media, live theatre remains irreplaceable. It’s not just the thrill of performing or the depth of the craft—it’s the human connection that makes it unique. “It’s an immersive experience, and when you feel that raw emotion—whether it’s comedy, thriller, or tragedy—you come back changed.” With a smile, he adds, “So yes, please come to the theatre. I’ll see you there.”
Photo Courtesy: Balvinder Singh, Neville Sukhia, Manasi Gadkari
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