Well-known film theatre artist Joy Sengupta is very excited about his new play about the first woman of Indian cinema, Devika Rani. “She, along with Himanshu Roy (my character), changed the face of Indian cinema by first bringing in educated and trained people in the arts (till then, only dancing girls worked in films), and plus, moving away from mythology and fantasy and talking about social issues.”
“While most people know about the professional achievements of Himanshu Roy (Bombay Talkies), who brought British and German technicians to Indian cinema, our play focuses on his personal life. He had a roving eye, and also become an alcoholic. We will also dwell on his relationship with wife Devika and his untimely death in 1941.”
Joy Sengupta, who has been doing theatre for years, says, “The best plus point of this live performing art is that it leaves a deep impact on the audience as opposed to cinema, which is recorded.”
“Stage in India is freer than TV, which goes through a lot of in-house checks, so a stage artist can still get away with certain political references, but not on TV and cinema, which is censor-bound. But historically, stage too has faced censorship right from its inception during Greek days to dictatorships.”
“Last but not the least, stage does not need major infrastructure (sets). You can even have a roadside play or hire a small hall.” His other plays have included Dance Like a Man (still running after 20 years) and Dinner With Friends.
“Having said that, I agree that certain commercial stage directors do go down the cheap comedy route to reach a wider arc. But still, 3 out of 4 plays deal with serious topics.”
Point out that stage ticket prices are beyond the reach of the common man, and he says, “Theatre was never meant for the masses, for once you do, you will lose out on your essence,” says Joy, who debuted with Govind Nihalani’s film, Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa.
He is happy that many TV actors are making a beeline for the stage, “For it teaches them to be better actors. The biggest thrill any stage actor gets is the applause and this also serves as a magnet. Yet others stay away, fearful of the task in hand and time factor.”
In closing, Joy feels that the status of women in the industry since the days of the hell that Devika Rani went through is much better. “Having said that, even today, like back then, many over-ambitious women and men are ready to do what it takes, thereby leaving themselves open for exploitation.”
In closing he says, “I am quite happy that contemporary entertainment industry working conditions are more women friendly. OTT biggies have in-house sexual harassment cells to deal with any incident.”