Actor Srikant Dwivedi, who played the lead in the show Lakshmi Narayan and currently plays the role of Lord Vishnu in the mythological show on Colors, Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyaag Tandav, says World Theatre Day has a lot of significance for him. He adds that he also started his career in theatre.
“World Theatre Day is very special and auspicious for all theatre actors. I have also done theatre and had the privilege of learning under the mentorship of Saurabh Sachdeva sir, I started as a completely untrained actor. I firmly believe that every actor should go through proper acting classes to understand the nuances of the craft. While some people may be born actors, it is always important to further develop and refine one’s skills. Having a mentor and working in theatre has been incredibly valuable for me. Theatre helps actors identify their strengths and weaknesses, improving their overall performance. It has significantly impacted my acting skills, helping me learn various techniques. For any artist, theatre is important as it provides a strong foundation, enhances creativity, and contributes to personal and professional growth,” he says.
Ask him what he loves about performing in theatre, and he says, “The best thing about live performances is that there are no retakes. When you are on stage, your heart is pounding, and the audience is right in front of you. Despite the nerves, you give it your best, and that’s what I truly love about theatre. Theatre has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry. You can see the difference in the quality of performances on television and in cinemas. Many actors today come from a strong theatre background, and it reflects in their acting.”
He adds, “Over time, acting has become more natural and relatable, which is why audiences connect with it on a deeper level. It’s also great to see that actors who have worked in theatre and understand the finer aspects of acting are getting opportunities in films, web series, and television. This positive shift is shaping the entertainment industry, making it richer and more authentic.”
Theatre plays an important role in shaping the industry, he says, adding, “Theatre plays a very important role in shaping the entertainment industry. Many new actors and actresses I see today, especially in web series on platforms like Netflix and Amazon, deliver performances that people can easily relate to. Their acting often reflects everyday characters, people we see around us, like friends or family members, which makes these roles so engaging and relatable. What I particularly admire about contemporary web series and movies is how actors from theatre backgrounds bring their characters to life. Their hard work and dedication are evident in their performances. Recently, I watched a movie called Super Boys of Malegaon, and every actor in it did a phenomenal job. It’s inspiring to see how well the industry is evolving, with talented newcomers who have put in the effort to refine their craft.”
He adds, “It’s also incredibly important to keep theatre alive because it serves as the backbone of acting. Theatre provides a strong foundation for actors, allowing them to deeply understand the art of performance. Without theatre, we wouldn’t see the level of authenticity and emotional connection that makes drama and cinema so impactful. From legendary actors like Shah Rukh Khan to Amitabh Bachchan, many successful artists have roots in theatre. Their powerful performances resonate with audiences even today. Theatre has existed long before movies and continues to be a crucial part of the industry. I am certain it will remain an integral part of entertainment in the future as well.”
