There is very little scope for theatre in Delhi: MK Raina

Veteran Bollywood actor and theatre director Maharaj Krishen Raina, popularly known as MK Raina, has acknowledged the National School of Drama (NSD) for providing significant exposure to him in various forms of art.

“Those days were challenging because the director and faculty were very demanding. There were 18 students in our batch, but only eight passed the first-semester exam. We had rehearsals from morning till evening,” Raina told Patriot in an exclusive interview.

Raina recently visited the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi for a reading session of his book Before I Forget. The book reflects on his career and traces the journey from the beginning of his life.

Raina noted, “Coming from a small place like Srinagar in J&K, NSD provided me with invaluable exposure. We learned about the various forms of art, including film, theatre, dance, and international art. This experience was instrumental in shaping my career.”

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He reminisced about his student days, saying, “We used to visit different restaurants in Delhi. When we had money, we used to go to restaurants like ‘Kake Di Hatti’ in Connaught Place and ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ on Lodhi Road. But we often used to visit Refugee Market. We spent quite a bit on food during our student years,” said Raina, who graduated from NSD in 1971.

Regarding the current state of theatres in Delhi, the 76-year-old actor expressed concern about the lack of opportunities.

“There is very little scope for theatre in Delhi, and much needs to be done to improve the situation. The cost of booking a theatre hall is unbearable, with prices reaching up to Rs one lakh, and the facilities are still not up to par,” he said.

Raina emphasised that theatre is not for the uneducated.

“Theatre and acting are not pursuits for the illiterate. To sustain a long career in this field, one must understand literature and culture. Otherwise, you will falter. Being handsome and muscular is only a small part of Bollywood. Instead, they focus on talent,” said Raina, who has performed in plays such as Kabira Khada Bazar Mein, Karmawali, Pari Kukh, Kabhi Na Chhoden Khet, and The Mother.

He also highlighted that Bollywood actively seeks out talent from the theatre community.

“Bollywood values theatre artists, especially those from NSD, believing they can adapt to any role and are well-trained. Actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, and the late Irrfan Khan may not have been conventionally good-looking, but they were talented. The industry made space for them,” he said.

“However, the theatre industry in India faces financial, economic, space, and other problems that need to be addressed.” When asked about the quality of stories Bollywood is producing nowadays, the theatre artist highlighted other cinematic traditions, saying, “Iranian and Kerala cinema are exceptional. They produce small films that focus on societal issues and are worth watching.”

He criticised the current generation of casting directors.

“Many are young and still learning. They lack the knowledge needed for effective casting. Good directors scout for actors themselves, and very few casting directors take their work seriously. The industry has become disorganised,” said Raina who worked in films like 27 Down, Satah Se Uthata Aadmi, New Delhi Times, Lakshya, Taare Zameen Par, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi among others.

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Raina denounced the corporate sector’s involvement in arts.

“Corporates can’t have any connection with art, they are primarily interested in publicity only of their products,” he said.

Reflecting on his work with renowned filmmakers like Basu Chatterjee and Kumar Shahani on films such as Ek Ruka Hua Faisla and Kasba, Raina shared, “They were very cooperative and grounded, which is why their films are exceptional.”

Raina calls film festivals an important part of life.

“Film festivals should be organised by educated individuals. It is essential to consider the selection of films and the benefits they offer to film makers.”

With many awards to his credit, Raina said that he loves to take meaningful roles.

“I worked in a web series The Forgotten Army directed by Kabir Khan in Singapore and Thailand. But that was a solid role. I loved to choose and did stunt scenes myself in the film,” he recalled.