Actor Anil Rastogi on completing 100 plays: My wife is my support system, she was fine even with my romantic roles

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 Mukti Bhawan, also explains why theatre should be included in academic courses.

Congratulations on completing 100 plays. How has the journey been?

It has been a good journey. Others too might have done 100 plays, but I am probably the only one who has done so as an amateur and at 82 years of age. I am also probably the only one who is a scientist.

What drew you towards Beyond The Curtain?

There was a sense of novelty to it. It was almost like my biography. I was initially apprehensive about it as I felt nobody would be interested in my life story. However, director Muskan Goswami wanted to do it with me. Swan Song, Anton Chekhov’s play, was the story of a dejected actor. This was not the case with my version. It featured references to Shakespeare’s plays and my own works. In it, I also thanked everyone I have worked with. It also highlighted my scientific and theatre achievements.

Which was your most difficult play?

Three plays were particularly difficult. The first one was Daddy. I played a dementia patient in it. I

had never seen such people.

Anil Rastogi is a versatile actor. | Credit: Anil Rastogi

Then there was Yahudi Ki Ladki. The play had a distinct Parsi style. I started the play in 1979 and I last did it in 2010.

Lastly, there was Sakharam Binder. It was a very bold play. The character was synonymous with bidi and gaali. Two things I have no experience in.

Science or theatre– the harder career?

The Science career was harder. You perform theatre for the public. However, in science, your results are presented to people across the globe. You can’t misreport. My science people supported me, making my journey as an actor easier.

How did your wife react to your career in theatre?

My wife has been my biggest support in this journey. She still helps me mug up my lines, which is not all that easy at my age. We got married in 1962. She did her MA after my marriage. I once did Panchi jaa, a comedy play where I flirted with three women.

Anil Rastogi is a Lucknow-based actor. | Credit: Anil Rastogi

She had my back even then. Sudha also travelled with me to Germany when I was working there as a scientist. At night, she would often sleep in the lab itself as I was working.

Would you say theatre is a harder medium when compared to films?

Yes, theatre is more difficult. In films, you have retakes and can give a variety of cuts. A play, on the other hand, is a live medium.

Do you have any suggestions to improve the state of theatre?

Theatre must be included in the academic course. It can be a career and even help people enter films. It also helps in building one’s personality.