25-Year TV Veteran Trades Sets for Stage

Veteran actor Manish Goel, with 25 years in the television industry, is making his theatrical debut. Initially surprised by the offer, he was drawn to the script and the opportunity for artistic growth. His first play, "Teesveen Shatabdi," is set during World War II and centers on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In the production, Goel embodies Enumen Kawaguchi, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing whose character struggles with cynicism and mental imbalance. A significant challenge he faces is delivering an extended monologue of nearly 10-11 minutes, a demanding feat for live theatre where retakes are not an option.

Goel acknowledges a past reluctance towards theatre, attributing it to the allure of instant gratification common in younger years. Now, at a point where he can dedicate more time and effort to rehearsals, he sees theatre as a profound learning experience that builds confidence and offers a unique artistic high, aspiring to continue parallel work in both mediums.