Lucknow’s hidden gems: Actor Rupali Chandra says ‘theatre can’t be a stable career’

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 interview:

How did you land the role of Amrita Pritam in the play?

Sudhanshu Mani had done a play sometime ago, which I watched. I then asked him to do a play about Sahir’s life and also expressed interest in playing Amrita.

Actor Rupali Chandra. | Credit: Rupali Chandra

He liked the idea. We then discussed the matter with Gopal Sinha. There was another round of discussions in May last year. In August, we finalised the script, and soon the readings started. 

What is your take on Sahir and Amrita’s relationship?

Amrita was totally in love with him and always kept loving him. Sahir, on the other hand, did not reciprocate in equal measure, as he was too attached to his mother. 

How did you get into theatre?

I was in graduation when a senior told me about the horror play. They were looking for someone to play a young girl. I did that role, and the senior played the role of my mother. I was active in theatre till ‘87. In 1988, I stepped aside due to personal reasons.

It was not easy for females to be in this line of work back then. They did not have a pick and drop facility. Moreover, in theatre, if you take a break, your recognition (worth) becomes zero. Hence, I started doing radio,

What about your career as a voice actor?

I have been doing that for more than 25 years. I can do voiceovers in English too so there are more opportunities. I also worked as a dubbing artist on the animated film Ants, where I voiced Queen Ant. I have also dubbed for Sharmila Tagore.

Is theatre more demanding than voice acting?

Theatre is more demanding as it needs more days. For rehearsals  This isn’t the case with voiceover. 

Would you call them stable careers?

Theatre can’t really be a stable career in Lucknow. There is no consistency. It is the same thing with voice-overs. AI is being used extensively. Moreover, people now have recording facilities at home. 

What can be done to improve the state of theatre in Lucknow?

There needs to be a pick and drop facility for women. Moreover, the compensation needs to be commensurate with the effort put in.

What advice would you like to give to aspiring theatre artistes?

My only advice would be to have a parallel occupation.. Theatre will not give you your bread and butter. I have seen many artists in miserable conditions.