Theatre needs fresh voices: Mirzapur actor Pallav Singh on the importance of new plays

For actor Pallav Singh, theatre is not just about revisiting the past—it is about shaping the future. While classic plays hold cultural significance, he believes the stage must also reflect contemporary voices.

“In Delhi, we are still performing old plays. While it is important to learn from the past, I want to see how a 21-year-old perceives the world through a new play rather than staging works by 50-year-old writers,” he said. “I hope people start writing original plays that can be performed.”

At 27, Singh is among the young actors advocating for new theatrical works. He acknowledges that fresh plays might not gain instant popularity but insists they are necessary for the evolution of theatre. “A newly written play may not be liked by audiences at first, but change happens gradually.”

Despite the slow transition, he finds encouragement in the fact that several colleges in Delhi are producing original plays, ensuring that the theatre scene remains dynamic.

Passion for theatre in Delhi

Speaking about Delhi’s theatre culture, Singh noted, “There is a lot of passion and dedication towards theatre in Delhi.”

Recalling his time at the National School of Drama (NSD), India’s premier acting institute, he admitted that he initially did not grasp its cultural significance. “But later, I realised that it was an institute where work never stops. There were no fixed timings, and studios remained open, allowing us to continuously refine our craft.”

Singh described his experience at NSD as transformative. “It was a completely new life. I even lost touch with familiar faces because we were working tirelessly, day and night. My training at NSD helped me immensely in preparing for roles in the industry.”

Delhi and his journey into acting

On his connection with Delhi, Singh said, “I don’t have deep roots in Delhi as I come from Uttar Pradesh. I moved here specifically to study at NSD. Seeing NSD for the first time was a thrilling moment for me, and coming to a city like Delhi was a big step.”

A 2019 graduate of NSD, Singh became an overnight sensation with his portrayal of Shayar Raheem, an obscene poet, in Mirzapur 3.

His role in Mirzapur 3

Recalling how he landed the role, Singh said, “When I first came to the city, I had no connections, no backing, no godfather. I had to build my own identity and prove that I wanted to work and showcase my talent. I wanted people to relate to my work.”

He received a call from a casting agency for an audition. “I prepared myself thoroughly. I had just one goal in mind—to give my best performance. And they loved it,” he said.

On the unexpected success of his character, Singh described it as a blessing. “I never expected this kind of recognition. People started recognising me, and it felt like a divine intervention. It has become a calling card and a blessing.”

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Singh has also worked in web series such as Mai and Taj: Divided by Blood.

Respect for theatre artists in the industry

Singh believes that the film industry now holds theatre artists in high regard. “After films like Satya and Gangs of Wasseypur, the industry’s approach changed. Filmmakers started valuing skilled actors. As theatre artists, we have put in the groundwork, and now we are getting the opportunity to deliver our best performances in films. There is a newfound respect for theatre actors, and perceptions about them are changing. We are finally getting good roles.”