1 If you could do a queer production of any Shakespearean play which one would it be?
All of Shakespeare’s comedies have some queer elements, especially the cross dressing. Though I’d love to try Taming of the Shrew as a queer S&M subculture themed production.
2 Any production or stage goof-ups?
Too many, but one that sticks in my head was when I had a lot of kissing scenes and had sprained my neck. So my co-star had to do all the contortions and pretend my moans of pain were extreme pleasure. The worst part was, the reviews highlighted the “passionate chemistry” between us, though that show was literally a pain in the neck.
3 If you had to cast Shahrukh Khan in a play which play and which character would you cast him in?
I’d like to see him take a stab at playing Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge.
4 Your favourite character to play on stage and your favorite dialogue by that character?
I’d love to play Richard III and get to indulge in, “And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, To entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, By drunken prophecies, libels and dreams.”
5 If you had to cast a popular Bollywood actress as Lady Macbeth who would it be?
Smita Patil, without a doubt. But if I had to pick someone living and active currently, probably Kajol.
6 If you could have a conversation with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you talk about?
God. I’d love to try and understand why human beings are so gullible.
7 Love,money or fame?
That money can buy you the other two is one of the most powerful lessons life has taught me.
8 Your dream cast for Romeo and Juliet?
Two of the most underrated actors, when they were the right ages — Val Kilmer and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
9 Your favourite theatre in the city to watch a play in?
There are only two proper theatres in Bangalore, Jagriti and Rangashankara so it’s hardly a choice one can make with any real justification.
10 One film which you would rather was a play...
The Barbarian Invasions.
— As told to Sayantika Majumdar
