Vivek Prabhakar is an actor from Lucknow best known for his work in series such as Grahan and Abhay 3, Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar . He has also appeared in films such as 14 Phere and Raid 2 and theatre production. Speaking exclusively to Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Vivek opens up about his career and the importance of OTT platforms. How did you develop an interest in acting? As is normally the case, acting ka keeda mujhe bachpan se hi tha.I was a dancer in school. I then participated i

Benu Kalsi is a seasoned actor from Lucknow, best known for her work in the Shah Rukh Khan-led Pardes (1997). The versatile performer began her career on radio in the 1970s and soon transitioned to theatre. She made a name for herself on stage with plays such as Satya Harishchandra and Octopus. The veteran also impressed the TV audience with her work in Dekh Bhai Dekh. Bandhuji, Kora Kagaz, and Rishtey. Speaking exclusively to Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Kalsi opens up about her

Dastangoi artiste Himanshu Bajpai is a popular name in Lucknow. The seasoned storyteller enjoys a dedicated fan following because of his impeccable oratory skills and impressive knowledge about the city. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Himanshu opens up about the evolution of Dastangoi as an art form and the need to introduce it in schools. How did you get interested in this art form? I was a journalist before entering this field. I worked as a reporter

Dastangoi artiste Kafeel Jafri performed at Lucknow’s Sanatkada Festival on February 2 and left the audience spellbound with his oratory skills. Born and brought in Lucknow and based in Bengaluru , he is also a theatre artist and a corporate trainer. Speaking exclusively to Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Jafri opens up about his professional journey and the need to ensure that his work reflects the realities of our time. Edited excerpts from the interview: How was the experience of p

Actor Abi Hassan, Nassar’s son, made his debut with the Kamal Haasan-backed Kadaram Kondan (2019) and impressed fans with his performance. He then garnered attention with Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal (2022) and Mission (2024). Despite this, Abi hasn’t been seen on screen since the release of AL Vijay’s film. Speaking exclusively to Roktim Rajpal Diaries, the emerging star reveals the reason he hasn’t been seen on screen. Abi also opens about his admiration for Nassar and

TVF, the banner behind Kota Factory and Aspirants, is synonymous with inspiring and relatable tales that touch upon the realities of our times. Hello Bacchon, its latest outing is yet another attempt at coming up with something similar. It, however, misses the bullseye by quite a distance. Hello Bacchon is inspired by the life of educator Alakh Pandey (Vineet Kumar Singh) and centres on his desire to make education accessible to all. The first episode starts off on a slow no

Mallika Yash Asthana is a popular anchor and voice-over artist who has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Lucknow, thanks to her ability to connect with the audience. During her illustrious career, the self-made sensation has hosted events involving film stars such as Disha Patani and Suniel Shetty. She has also served as the emcee for events graced by the likes of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Ranbir Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, and former cricketer Chris Gayle. In

Dr Rishad Rizvi is a popular actor based in Lucknow, An alumnus of La Martiniere College, he has carved a niche for himself with his work in films like Ladies Vs Ricky and the Tanu Weds Manu franchise. Rizvi also appeared in the show Tod Ke Dil Mera. Speaking exclusively to Roktim Rajpal Diaries, he opens up about his association with theatre and his biggest professional regret. How did your tryst with theatre begin? I would act in plays on stage in school and enjoy that ex

Actor Nikhila Sankar says that she wants to play performance-oriented characters on the screen but is not open to ‘chumma chati’ (kissing). The star, best known for her work in Suzhal Season 2, also opens up about dealing with negativity and making a name for herself without a godfather. Edited excerpts from the interview: How did your tryst with acting begin? I never thought that I would become an actor. I, in fact, was more into music. I had learnt Carnatic music while gro

Ramesh Bala is a popular tracker and analyst who enjoys a strong fan following on X (formerly known as Twitter) because of his strong opinions. He is also known for providing box office figures in a timely manner. His updates are widely considered to be accurate. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Ramesh Bala opens up about his journey and the skills needed to become a tracker Edited excerpts from the interview: How did your journey as a tracker begin? I wa

Roli Singh is an emerging theatre actor who rose to fame with her work in the play Gaon Mein Kuch Bura Hone Wala Hai. An advocate by profession, she considers acting and dancing to be her first passions. The newcomer began her journey over a year ago and has since acted in productions such as Aa Se Azadi and Shunya aur Vrit. Roli is also part of theatre associations like Mocking Birds Theatre Company and Abhivakti. Roli Singh is an emerging theatre actor. | Credit: Roli Sing

Gunjan Jain is a seasoned actor from Lucknow who has made a strong impact in theatre with her work in plays such as Chambal Ek Nadi Ka Naam, A Night with Marilyn Monroe, and Gaon Mein Kuch Bura Hone Wala Hai. Additionally, she has acted in films such as Mission Majnu and The Vaccine War. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Gunjan opens up about the need for ticketed theatre in Lucknow and her professional journey. Edited excerpts from the interview: How did

Nawab Masood Abdullah is a popular name in Lucknow. He is best known for his roles in films and web series such as Gulabo Sitabo, Gadar-Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2 Hamare Baraah, A Suitable Boy, Manphodganj ki Bubblee, Moon Walk, Why Cheat India. He has carved a niche for himself in the city because of his contribution to theatre. The multi-faceted artist has also judged food shows like Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's Khana Khazana, Food Food Maha Challenge. Additionally, he is pa

Comedian Rajeev Nigam, who performed in Lucknow on Saturday (January 31), says that he is not a fan of incorporating foul language into his acts. He further says that those who do it have a different target audience. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Nigam also opens up about his journey and dealing with threats. Edited excerpts from the interview: How was the experience of performing in Lucknow? It was a very good experience. The content was received wel

Rupali Chandra, a theatre actor and voiceover artist, recently impressed Lucknowites with her portrayal of Amrita Pritam in the Gopal Sinha-directed Sahir, Har Ek Pal Ka Shayar. The play featured Sudhanshu Mani in the titular role and delved into the poet’s personal life. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Rupali opens up about playing Amrita in the musical and lists out what can be done to improve the state of theatre in the city. Edited excerpts from the

Actor Tulika Banerjee, best known for her role in Aashram, says that those keen to pursue a career in the entertainment industry need to have a backup. She feels that there is merely a 10% chance of success in this line of work. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Tulika also opens up about how her family has always had her back during her professional journey. (Edited excerpts from the interview) What made you pursue acting as a career? I never thought abo

Dimpy Mishra is a popular Lucknow-based actor. He began his journey as a theatre artist as a child and eventually made his big screen debut with Sanjay Dutt’s Bhoomi. He also acted alongside Prakash Jha in Matto Ki Saikil. It was, however, Aashram that established him as a household name. Mishra is also a seasoned academic with over 15 years of experience. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, he opens up about his professional journey and the impact of theatr

Director Gopal Sinha’s play Sahir, Har Ek Pal Ka Shayar was staged in Lucknow on Friday (January 16), and this created a great deal of buzz in the city. The musical presentation delved into the legendary poet’s life and touched upon his unparalleled contributions to the film industry. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Sinha opens up about how his days in IIT Roorkee ignited his love for art as a medium. He also reveals the reason behind helming a play on

Anil Rastogi, one of the biggest names in theatre, performed in his 100th play as an actor on December 22. Titled Beyond The Curtain and inspired by Anton Chekhov’s Swan Song, the production was a tribute to the scientist-turned-actor’s career. In an exclusive interview with Roktim Rajpal Diaries, Rastogi opens up about his journey in theatre and his wife’s role in his career. The 82-year-old, who has acted in more than 75 films to date, including films such as Ishaqzaade and

Divya Bharadwaj Bhattacharya, a popular actor based in Lucknow, is best known to many for her work on TV and in theatre. The multi-talented lady, who has also worked as a Production Manager and designer, began her journey in this field in the 90s and carved a niche for herself with her work in Kachchi Sadak and nearly 14 TV shows, including Rishtey. She, however, took a break from acting in the late 90s due to personal reasons after her marriage. Years later, in 2022, she