It’s rare to find the kind of love that Gujaratis have for theatre: Rakesh Bedi

Rakesh Bedi, who was in Vadodara for performing his play Massage at a theatre festival, says that while the medium continues to face its share of challenges, “theatre hamesha rahega.”The veteran actor, known for films like Mera Damad and Chashme Buddoor, and TV shows like Shrimaan Shrimati, Yes Boss and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain!, elaborates, “Theatre has always faced challenges, and challenges toh hamesha rahenge.

But it was the earliest form of performance; jab kuch bhi nahi tha, tab theatre tha. There are amphitheatres in countries like Italy and Turkey that are more than 2,000 years old, where some great plays have been staged over the years.

So, if an art form has survived for that long despite the challenges, it tells you that the medium is here to stay. In Massage, a two-hour play that I have been doing for 23 years, I play 24 characters.

The story is about how to learn to be a happy loser while coping with adversity. After one of the performances in Doha, an old man told me that he was on the verge of ending his life, but watching this play changed his mind. That incident still gives me goosebumps.”He adds, “Watching an actor performing live is an experience that nothing can match. Jab koi actor apna khoon pasina bahakar ek live audience ke saamne apna talent showcase karta hai, uss ki alag value hoti hai.”

‘Glad to be a part of a relatable show like Taarak Mehta....’Bedi, who plays Babulal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently shared a video on social media where he was seen celebrating the show completing 17 years. He tells us, “I am glad to be a part of a relatable show like this one. The show remains so popular even after so many years because we highlight relatable issues and infuse them with a dose of humour, which the audience loves.” He adds, “I always love coming to Gujarat because people are really sweet. Also, it’s rare to find the kind of love that Gujaratis have for theatre. When we perform plays in countries like the US and UK, more than 60% of the audience comprises Gujaratis. They thoroughly enjoy watching plays.”