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Bhatt: Theatre's raw power beats cinema's lens
9 Nov
Summary
- Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt finds constant inspiration at Mumbai's Prithvi Theatre.
- He values theatre for its direct actor-audience connection and raw emotion.
- Bhatt's early career struggles were shaped by his experiences at Prithvi Theatre.
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt continues to draw inspiration from Mumbai's Prithvi Theatre, a venue that played a crucial role during a challenging period in his early career. He views theatre as a powerful medium, valuing the direct connection actors forge with audiences through their physical presence and vocal expression. This raw, immediate communication, he believes, surpasses the technical manipulations available in cinema.
Bhatt's relationship with Prithvi Theatre began in 1978, a time marked by professional setbacks before the success of 'Arth.' He found a creative community among dedicated artists, writers, and young performers, appreciating their passion despite financial constraints. The theatre became his 'classroom,' offering invaluable lessons from iconic figures like Satyadev Dubey and Amrish Puri.
He fondly remembers witnessing performances by Naseeruddin Shah in 'Waiting for Godot' and Soni Razdan in 'Band Darwaze,' both leaving a profound impact. Bhatt also commends contemporary artists like Makrand Deshpande for their unwavering commitment to theatre as an art form, separate from film industry pursuits. His ongoing support extends to initiatives like Pooja Sharma's '7:40 Ki Ladies Special.'
