– Calling Mandi House the Mecca of Theatre, Piyush Mishra Says Nowhere Else Is Theatre Practised with Such Intensity
New Delhi: The National School of Drama (NSD) will extend support to selected theatre groups in Mandi House and nearby areas by allowing them access to rehearsal space within the NSD campus, said Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD.
The announcement was made during an interactive session named “Kuchh Ishq Kiya Kuchh Kaam Kiya” with noted actor, musician, singer and director Shri Piyush Mishra at the ongoing Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the world’s largest international theatre festival.
Reminiscing about his early theatre days and formative years, Shri Mishra said, “I was studying Science and Physics; however, I could not concentrate on them as I was unable to find any meaning in what I was studying. I discovered my true calling in theatre, and it became the purpose of my life. Later, when I had to portray great scientists such as Galileo and Einstein, I revisited my science books. This time, there was a purpose in reading them, and I truly enjoyed studying science.”
Addressing the audience many of who consisted theatre practitioners and aspiring actors, he said that after his joining in NSD, I was exposed to a world of great learning and I got the opportunity to read some of the greatest theatre theoreticians and gurus like Vsevolod Emilyevich Meyerhold, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Konstantin Stanislavski – however, what really would help me while performing was the innocence with which I entered into theatre.
Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy mentioned that Piyush Mishra had been the inspiration behind his first solo performance and directorial debut, Gunno Bai. He also shared that he had given Mishra the opportunity to direct Taj Mahal Ka Tender, which went on to become a milestone in Delhi’s theatre circuit. Recalling Mishra’s discipline, Shri Tripathy noted how he would practise his lines relentlessly and invited him to share his approach to theatre with the audience.
Responding to this, Shri Piyush Mishra said, “One must have a strong sense of purpose in whatever one chooses to do — and acting is no different. Along with purpose, passion and a certain madness are essential to pursue theatre. I practised theatre here for 20 years. After passing out from the National School of Drama, I joined the Act One theatre group and later continued independently. Dusri Duniya was my first performance. I also presented a solo performance based on noted writer Vijaydan Detha. Later, I curated a compilation of my works titled An Evening with Piyush Mishra. It was physically exhausting, yet deeply fulfilling.”
Piyush Mishra further said that the National School of Drama campus is like a temple to him, and that Mandi House is the Mecca of theatre practitioners. He added that theatre is practised here with an intensity rarely seen anywhere else.
Adding to this, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy spoke about the challenges faced by theatre practitioners in Mandi House, recalling his own early days in the area. He announced that the National School of Drama is actively working towards strengthening theatre practice in Delhi. He further stated that NSD will make space available within its campus for the rehearsal and practice needs of selected theatre groups in the city.
The NSD Director appraised the audience about the huge scale by which BRM 2026 is being organised. He said that the BRM 2026 is held in 12 venues in India and more that 50 locations in the world covering all Indian states, Union Territories and continents including Antarctica.
The 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav presented a diverse line-up of theatrical productions including Ek Khoon Sau Baatein 2, Kaal-Roopam, Babua Gobardhan, Rashtragranth – The Pillar of Democracy, Dolkar Doma Aur Yeti, Aap Hamare Hain Kaun, Order, Fuhrer!, and Tagore’s Bisrajan, showcasing varied themes, languages and theatrical styles across institutions and regions along with street plays for college groups.
In addition, the day featured vibrant folk performances under the Baal Sangam segment and witnessed the launch of A Zigzag Mind, authored by noted theatre director Dr Sonal Mansingh.