‘A Play is a Lie,’ Says Makarand Deshpande on Acting, Timing, and the Truth Behind Theatre on Aahana Kumra’s Podcast Curtain Call
Mumbai – Legendary actor, playwright, and director Makarand Deshpande recently featured on Aahana Kumra’s podcast, “Curtain Call,” where he shared insights on theatre, acting, and the essence of storytelling.
Deshpande, known for his groundbreaking contributions to experimental theatre and acclaimed roles in films like Jungle, Sarfarosh, Swades, and the Kannada Dandupalya series, reflected on the nature of theatre itself and said, “A play is a lie. Yet the truth, when staged to probe your lies, becomes the play itself. A play revolves around conflict and contradiction. It is, in essence, a dialogue of the mind. Imagine a scene where someone tells a paan vendor: ‘Give me a paan that cools my mind,’ and the vendor does. Or: ‘Give me a paan that makes my head feel a little full, a little light-headed.’ It is in the unfolding of such exchanges, in these subtle dialogues, that the language of the play takes shape.”
He also spoke about what he believes an actor must possess and shared, “What an actor should have, I think, is timing. Everyone says an actor should have timing, but timing only happens when you are fully in the present. And you are fully present only when you are fit.”
Aahana Kumra’s “Curtain Call,” launched by Samarya Creation Global Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Working Panda Films, is an exclusive podcast exploring India’s vibrant theatre landscape. Each episode features candid conversations with directors, actors, playwrights, and technicians, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the personal journeys and creative philosophies of the country’s most celebrated theatre artists. Speaking about the podcast, Kumra said, “Theatre is where I found my voice, my identity, and my purpose. Through this platform, I want to honour the masters who have paved the way and create a complete world that celebrates every dimension of Indian theatre.”
The episode featuring Makarand Deshpande is now available on YouTube at Curtain Call with Aahana.