Sravasti Datta
While Bengaluru boasts a vibrant theatre scene across various languages, Hindi theatre has historically faced challenges in gaining the same level of prominence. But practitioners believe that Hindi theatre in Bengaluru is now experiencing a dynamic shift, embracing innovation and adapting to contemporary audiences. Amit Aggarwal, who started the Bangalore Hindi Theatre community observes this evolution, noting, “Many new age theatre groups are being led by people in their 20s or 30s. They focus on original plays and experimenting with different forms.”

‘Hindi theatre is adapting to better connect with contemporary audiences’

Practical adjustments are being made within Hindi theatre to better connect with contemporary audiences, explains Amit. “There has been a growth of alternate spaces, where we don’t have to rely on a traditional auditorium. Any hall which is 20 feet by 20 feet can be converted into a place of performance. Due to shorter attention spans, plays now run for 90 or 100 minute plays instead of two hours. There are a lot of Hinglish plays too (combining Hindi and English) to make the plays more relatable to the audience,” he says.

‘Every year, Hindi theatre practitioners meet to discuss the evolving landscape of their art’

Every year, since 2022, the community has been celebrating World Theatre Day by bringing together Hindi theatre practitioners across the city to foster brotherhood and harmony, shares Amit. He says, “It is a non-commercial activity and our objective is to bring all theatre practitioners together for at least one day in a year. On this day, we aren’t divided by our groups but are united by our love for theatre.”
He adds that it is a good opportunity for actors to meet directors and fellow actors. “We will also address some common problems faced by the community. It could be issues such as high rental rates of auditoriums, difficulty in promoting one’s play, etc. So, we will brainstorm together and see how we can solve those problems.”

‘The goal is to foster a stronger, more interconnected Hindi theatre community’

The community is also expanding its reach outside Bengaluru to other Hindi theatre groups in Delhi, Mumbai, Azraba, Chennai, Pondicherry, and Pune. “Similarly, if there is any Hindi theatre group from other cities to stage a play in Bengaluru, then we reach out to them and offer our help in promoting the play in Bengaluru, help them get props or sets,” says Amit, who is a full-time actor and also runs his own casting company.