Theatre is one of the biggest teachers in any actors’ life. A lot of learning happens when preparing and performing on stage. Theatre in India has its own significance, traditional festivals revolve around good theatre performances. Many believe acting has only be enhanced when someone is able to put work on the theatre stage. One of the biggest differences between theatre and films is, there is no retake for your scene. You have to be fully aware of all the stuff around you, ready with all the dialogues, expressions and body movements. Everything has to be crisp and perfect when performing on stage. Hindi Film Industry is widely popular around the world and people aspire to work on big screens. They learn acting in various institutions but the kind of skills and exposer one gets through theatre is unmatched. Many theatre artists have went on to become successful Bollywood actors. So, we look on the theatre artists who became popular Bollywood actors through their art –   

Alok Nath –

Popularly known as ‘Sanskari Babuji’ among young generation. Started his journey through theatres in Delhi. He was mostly seen performing on the stage of his school/College days. His parents were both doctors who wanted Alok Nath to be a doctor in future. But he was interested in performing arts. He went on to study acting in National School of Drama to enhance and sharpen his skills. Debuted at the age of 20 in the film ‘Buniyaad’ playing a character of a 60-year-old man. Despite the film not doing well at the box office, Alok Nath was appreciated for his character. He broke many stereotypes in Bollywood and went on do more than 500 films in his career. His popular films include Agneepath, Maine Pyaar Kia, Hum Sath Sath Hai, Hum Apke Hain Kaun, and many TV Serials as well.

Anupam Kher –

One of Industry’s veteran actor, Anupam Kher also went to study acting in National School of Drama (NSD) because of his passion for the art.  He was clear in his vision, always into acting in whatever way it come. Anupam Kher performed on various drama in theatre including multi-lingual performances. His character in the movie ‘Saaransh’ caught many eyeballs and was offered multiple movies afterwards. Holds one of the highest prestigious civilian award ‘Padma Bhusan’ for his contribution in the world of Cinema. His popular movies include A Wednesday, Baby, Special 26, Hum apke hain kaun and many more. He has also contributed to the art beyond borders, making an impact in Hollywood movies as well.

Annu Kapoor –

Popular for hosting Antakshari on Zee TV, Annu Kapoor’s Kapoor spanned for over 30 years. Another theatre artist who just loved to perform drama. He would often land in father’s Parsi theatre and perform in front of large audience. He later joined National School of Drama (NSD) to explore his craft more. Made his debut in ‘Mandi’ later went on to work on various successful movies like Mr.India,  Ghayal, Sardar, 7 khoon maaf, and many more. After being out for a while, Anuu Kapoor came back to movies once again with ‘Viccky Donor’, ‘The Shaukeens’ & ‘Jolly LLB 2’. Won various awards including National Film Awards.

Satish Kaushik –

A comedian, a good actor, crafty in his direction and great stage performer. Popularly known as ‘Calender’, Satish Kaushik’s performance was noted by millions around the world. Love for acting brought Kaushik to learn the art at National School of Drama (NSD) for his further experiments on stage. Satish has been a great director as well, his movie ‘Tere Naam’ was one of historic movie in the Indian Cinema. Won several awards including filmfare awards for his comic role in multiple movies. Worked in more than 100 movies, Satish Kaushik has been inspiration for many.

Pankaj Kapoor –

Another legendry actor in the history of Indian Cinema. Pankaj Kapoor started his journey from theatre as well. Another student of National School of Drama, engaged more into theatre acting. Appeared on various daily soap on TV including ‘ Zabaan Smbhaal’, ‘Kab Tak Pukaaru (Doordarshan), ‘Neem ke Ped’ and much more. Debuted in ‘Arohan (1982)’ and never looked back after it. Did numerous films, TV Serials and drama on stage which is unmatched. Won National Film Award for his movie ‘Raakh’ with Amir Khan back then. Many of his performance has layered work for the art. Pankaj Kapoor also features in many non-Hindi films as well, that includes Punjabi.

Neena Gupta-

One of the finest actors, Neena Gupta hold a big name in film industry. She was passionate about acting and all she did in her school/College was just act in front of people. Somehow, she got into National School of Drama (NSD) to even grow his skills. Her debut movie was ‘Saath Saath (1982)’, She was away from camera for a long period of time. But she is back to her acting career and acted in some blockbuster movies like Veere Di Wedding, Mulk, Badhaai Ho’.  She was loved by the audience and critics lauded for her acting skills. She has been awarded with ‘ National Film Awards’ for her acting.

Who is your favourite actor among them and what’s their best work (In Films) according to you?