Playwright Vijay Sharma's 'Papa Painter' Celebrates Father-Son Relationship

Vijay Sharma, a renowned actor, writer, and director, is set to premiere his latest play "Papa Painter" in the coming weeks. The production is more than just another performance—it's a deeply personal journey for Sharma, who describes it as a "love letter to every father."

The play delves into the intricate bond between a father and son, exploring the silences, the distance, and the constant yearning to understand each other better. Sharma's own experiences of moving from a small town to a big city have heavily influenced his work, as he reflects on the emotional distance that can grow between parents and their children over time, even as the love remains.

Sharma's creative process often blends his personal memories, struggles, and observations into the fabric of his stories. His recent plays, including "Besharam Aadmi" and "Papa Painter," examine the complexities of modern Indian masculinity through contrasting lenses. While "Besharam Aadmi" follows a progressive man navigating gender roles, "Papa Painter" examines the relationship between a working man and his father.

The theme of migration, both physical and emotional, is a recurring motif in Sharma's work. He acknowledges that the journey from a small town to a big city can be transformative, changing one's outlook, relationships, and even the very definition of home.

Sharma's versatility as an artist is evident in his ability to switch between acting and directing roles. He explains that while acting allows him to immerse himself in the story, directing requires him to step back and shape the narrative, guiding others. This duality, he says, is both challenging and rewarding.