Krishna in the Witness Box

cannot be done in films. But theatre is like a one big family where you make so many friends. It is wonderful being among like-minded people,’’ said the actor,who was in Chandigarh as a part of the Chandigarh Theatre Festival on Wednesday. Krishan vs Kanhaiya has already toured the US and was the finale of the festival.

An actor who has handled comedies,alternative cinema and negative roles with equal elan in the past,Rawal says that he is always open to new ideas on stage. He believes that if there is a desire to do something,you find the time to do it. “One does not have to try too hard. Likewise,theatre is my need and comes from inside. It is in my blood and DNA,’’ said Rawal,who is busy rehearsing for a Gujarati play titled Dear Father. With this Rawal will return to Gujarati theatre after 16 years.

He credits Marathi and Gujarati theatre for ceaseless innovation in scripts,concepts and subjects. Rawal believes that the audiences for theatre have swelled over the years,encouraging younger directors to experiment with serious subjects and revive some great traditions. “A chunk of the audience,which only watches plays,encourages us. As far as acting goes,the finesse comes from the riyaaz that theatre makes you do everyday,’’ said Rawal.

He recalls Khel,one of his most memorable productions,in which he directed Naseeruddin Shah. “That was like Ganga snan,’’ said Rawal,who rues the fact that television has taken away many fine actors and fantastic script writers from the stage. “But I understand that there are limitations. We have to run our kitchens. I worked in Mohra,so that I could get a role in Sardar Patel. The effort is that both mediums should compliment each other. That is when there is no place for conflict. I choose a role that excites me,challenges me and improves me as a human being. It is also the one that I thoroughly enjoy. Magic and talent are most important to sustain an actor’s life.

It’s not only about the money,’’ said Rawal.