Theatre for passion

For actors Rakesh Bedi and Raghubir Yadav, the world of cinema may have brought recognition and popularity, but theatre remains an inseparable part of their artistic journey. Both actors have built successful careers across films and television, yet their connection with the stage continues to draw them back whenever an opportunity arises.

The 21st Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival opened at Hyderabad’s Taramati Baradari auditorium with ‘Massage’, a one-man performance by Rakesh Bedi. Written by Vijay Tendulkar and directed by Harbansh Singh, the play set the tone for the festival with an engaging performance that combined humour, emotion and reflections on the realities of the film industry.

Bedi’s association with acting began during his school years, when he developed an interest in mono acting. He later performed with the Pierrot theatre group before pursuing formal training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Over the years, he became a familiar face through films such as ‘Chashme Buddoor’ and the recent ‘Dhurandhar’, along with popular television shows including ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’, ‘Shrimaan Shrimati’ and ‘Yes Boss’.

In ‘Massage’, Bedi demonstrated the demands of one-man theatre by moving effortlessly between several characters, including male and female roles. The story follows a young man who dreams of making it big in the film world. He takes up odd jobs at film shoots, hoping to impress directors and find his way into the industry. As the story unfolds, he begins to understand the struggles and less glamorous realities behind the world he hopes to enter.

Keeping an audience engaged for nearly two hours through a solo performance is no easy task. Bedi managed it with quick character changes, sharp dialogue delivery and well-timed humour. His performance drew an enthusiastic response, culminating in a standing ovation.

The following day, the festival presented another engaging performance with ‘Piano’, featuring Raghubir Yadav alongside actress Roshini Achreja, who plays a piano seller. The production blended theatre and music, allowing Yadav to showcase talents that extend well beyond acting.

Yadav’s journey in theatre began at a young age when he travelled with a Parsi theatre company. He later continued his association with the stage through the Rangoli Puppet Theatre group before joining the National School of Drama (NSD). His film career gained attention with his debut in ‘Massey Sahib’. He also earned recognition for his singing, particularly through his song in Aamir Khan’s ‘Peepli Live’, and has been involved in several music projects.

In ‘Piano’, Yadav brings music directly into the storytelling. One of the performance’s memorable moments comes when he constructs a flute on stage before playing a folk melody. The story revolves around the attempt to persuade a piano seller not to part with her instrument. What begins as a troublesome encounter gradually develops into a meaningful exchange, leading to a moving finale in which the sounds of the flute and piano come together.

Both performances highlighted the range of possibilities that theatre offers performers. While Bedi held the audience’s attention through multiple characters and comic timing, Yadav brought together acting, craftsmanship and music to create a distinctive stage experience. The festival, scheduled to conclude on November 18, offers Hyderabad’s theatre enthusiasts an opportunity to experience productions and performances from across the country. More importantly, the appearances of Bedi and Yadav serve as a reminder that for some actors, theatre is not simply where their careers began – it is a lifelong passion they never leave behind.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaywant Naidu

Jaywant Naidu[email protected]