All the world’s a stage…

SD Sharma

Renowned theatre artiste Usha Ganguli believes that no other form of art can generate and radiate human energy like theatre. “But then theatre has to be loyal to its people, their culture, language, social realities of life and living,” she says, in Chandigarh on the invitation of The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi for staging her Urdu play Badnam Manto as part of their theatre festival

Born in Jodhpur, Ganguli attained proficiency in music as well as Bharatnatyam classical dance and secured a Master’s degree in Hindi literature from Kolkata. While teaching Hindi at a college in 1970, she accepted an offer to play the lead role of Vasantsena, a play based on Shudraka’s Mrichchktikam, which won her much applause. The rest, as they say, is history. The Sangeet Natak Akademi award winner shares excerpts from her journey so far.

How did it all begin for you?

While playing the role of Vasantsena, which happened by chance, I realised that theatre is complete art with elements of music, dance, poetry and more. I made it my first love.

How challenging is directing plays in Urdu or Punjabi?

Theatre has its own language, but let me clarify that I am from a Pande family and lived for decades in a Punjabi mohalla in Kanpur. Will you believe I sing and compose Punjabi songs too?

How has Manto inspired you?

Sadat Hasan Manto was a truly gifted writer, who displayed exemplary courage to take up the causes of the downtrodden. Writers like Manto are omniscient and truly inspiring.

What is the success mantra of your productions?

A good script with a message, meticulous approach to production designing, music as essential ingredient, set designing, proportioned volumes of space balanced and above all powerful actors with backstage back up. See, my Court Martial, with over 500 shows, is still in demand.

What is your suggestion for the growth of theatre in Chandigarh?

I feel Chandigarh must introduce professional theatre to improve quality and sustained life of drama productions.