World Theatre Day, observed on 27th March, is a tribute to the rich legacy of theatre and its enduring influence on performing arts. Marking the occasion, Sony SAB actors Karuna Pandey, Varun Badola, Utkarsha Naik, Rajat Verma, Rishi Saxena, Deeksha Joshi, and Neha SK Mehta take a moment to reflect on their roots in theatre, a medium that has shaped their artistic journeys, acknowledging how performing on stage has instilled in them discipline, spontaneity and a deep connection with audiences; from mastering the nuances of live storytelling to embracing the unpredictability of performances without retakes, their theatre roots continue to enrich their on-screen portrayals.
Karuna Pandey, who essays the role of Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “Coming from a theatre background, I’ve always believed it is the true foundation of an actor’s journey. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to explore performance despite constant relocations, and my sister pushed me to pursue theatre seriously. Theatre taught me discipline, patience, and how to fully embody a character without the luxury of retakes. Those lessons continue to shape my craft today. When audiences connect with Pushpa, I feel every struggle and moment of doubt was worth it. Theatre gave me my foundation, and my family gave me the courage to follow my dream.”
Varun Badola, who essays the role of Suhas Divekar in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Theatre has been the foundation of my journey, it teaches you to truly inhabit a character and connect with the audience. I was deeply inspired by my father, Vishwa Mohan Badola, who instilled in me a love for storytelling and dedication to the craft. Theatre teaches patience, discipline, and collaboration. Every role I play carries the echoes of those stage experiences and the invaluable lessons they bring.”
Utkarsha Naik, who essays the role of Madhavi Bhosale in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Theatre is extremely close to my heart, not just as a performer but as someone who believes in nurturing talent. That’s why I created a space for aspiring artists to learn and express themselves. I’ve seen how theatre brings out confidence, creativity, and individuality. For me, it goes beyond performance, it’s about building a community that grows and uplifts each other. That is the true essence of theatre.”
Deeksha Joshi, who essays the role of Deepti in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “Theatre has deeply shaped my approach to storytelling. On stage, you have just one moment to truly live every emotion, there are no retakes. That discipline and presence have given me confidence across all mediums. Theatre reminds me that art is about connection, not perfection. It teaches you to be fearless, curious, and grounded, lessons I carry with me in every performance.”
Rajat Verma, who essays the role of Virat in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Theatre is where it all began for me, and that connection will always remain. I miss the energy of rehearsals and the constant process of learning. Performing on stage is pure, driven only by passion. I still return to theatre whenever I can. It taught me that no role is small and that growth as an actor is what truly matters.”
Neha SK Mehta, who essays the role of Hetal Divekar in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Theatre has been integral to my journey and where my love for performing truly took shape. My foundation in Bharatnatyam taught me discipline and expression, and my parents encouraged me to pursue the arts sincerely. Theatre became a natural extension of that learning. For me, art is not about validation, but about honesty, patience, and continuous growth.”
Rishi Saxena, who essays the role of Sanjay Bhosale in Itti Si Khushi, shared, “Even though my theatre experience was brief, it gave me invaluable lessons in discipline, presence, and connecting with audiences. Coming from Jaipur, opportunities were limited, but those early plays built a strong foundation in timing and storytelling. While I moved to television, the essence of acting remains the same, and theatre continues to shape my approach to every role.”
Tune in to watch Itti Si Khushi and Pushpa Impossible every Monday to Saturday only on Sony SAB
