Theatre is still unknown to many. In India, a woman theatre director is in fact invisible. Very few make it to the top and Veena Sharma is clearly one of them. She paved way from a small town in Karnataka to an institution of national importance, National School of Drama (NSD) depending on one single thing which was her talent. She used to make candles, teach Kannada to Marathi neighbour to make pocket money. And today is the day, her every show is houseful, she along with team is covering India performing the magical plays. Due to interest in theatre, I went to see a show which was hilarious and couldn’t stop myself getting to know the back story of this wonder woman. After working hours, we had a wonderful chat of around four hours. Here it is for you (of course in short):
What was your first step to be a director?
I never thought of being a director. I was actually a teacher, a high school kannada and hindi language teacher. I was never aware that the hobby I adored most will finally be my profession. Time told me so. From our school, I was selected for a theatrical workshop to be used as education with theatre programme. That was the time when everything happened smoothly, it was a big change. I went there just to learn Yakshgana and other folk forms so that I can teach them to my school children. There some big names like B.V. Karant, Ramgopal Bajaj, Bhagirathi Kadam etc. came to deliver lectures. They needed a Hindi to Kannada translator, which was me. They also saw me dancing, acting and singing so they asked me to give exams for NSD. I guess, there is no first step, there are a lot of factors and people who make you what you are. Work is what you need to do.
I heard you found your soul mate of the same profession. Tell me about your family life.
Yes, I found my hubby when I was at MP to take theatre workshop. There he was student of mine. We found everything uncommon and fell for each other. He is the man who can operate near about 52 musical instruments, but the best thing about him is he loves to cook, hahahaha. I was the one who asked him if he wants to marry me, my in laws gave consent without thinking twice. There are many rituals in M.P (her in-law town), like ghoonghat system, I follow all such rituals with soul whenever we visit them as our happiness lies in happiness of people we are related to.
How do you deal with such a big team of actors, light-men, art directors etc.?
Honesty is the key. Still there are many directors who do not pay theatre actors who sweat for them for months. I learned one thing from life that being honest to people around you and especially to you. I guess this is a way to lead a happy life. I care for every single member of my group. Every production is result of their hard work. I just make them work together. I remember once I was left with just 30 Rupees after all payments and writer of the play was still left. I paid him from my pocket then took a satisfied breath. A smiling team is my aim.
You are a proud mom of a talented kid too. How do you balance maternity with work?
Maternity, this word reminds me of the time when Visharad, my son was kicking my belly and I was designing a huge set of Bal Sangam 2007 at National School of Drama including lighting with just 2 assistants. Ups and downs are part of our life. I believe your kid is your teacher, he teaches you motherhood. I remember once he came back from school crying as some teacher probably had delivered some rude words to other children that made him really sensitive . . . I gave a tip to him . . . from now onwards if your teacher act foul to any classmate then go and hug her and say madam mistakes toh sabse hoti hain, tell me I will try to help him. It worked. I take my chid everywhere because life is the best book to learn. Meeting people enhances sensibility among kids.
What is your present work?
Presently I am working as a chief co-ordinator in Bharat Rang Mahotsav, International Theatre Festivals organised by National School of Drama. Plus I’m a freelancer director and running my own theatre group ‘Rang Visharad’.
There are many who made it to big screen after graduating from National School of Drama like Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ratna Pathak Shah etc. Why you exceptionally chose to stick to theatre?
Because in films the millions of audience can see only that one moon and few stars the filmmaker wants to show of his/her choice. And in theatre I just say closing my eyes “how beautiful that moon is” and 1000 audience can see 1000 moons of their choice. Do I need to say more?
Veena Sharma has directed numerous shows of 23 plays, costume and light designing in 17 plays. Also, she acted in more than 50 plays plus did some famous Marathi and Kannada telefilms. You can contact her on veena.tiensd@gmail.com
