Humble, witty and sincere, that’s Vinay Pathak for you. The Bheja Fry (2007) actor, who has entertained us with his histrionic skills for over 18 years now, performed at the Guwahati Theatre Festival hosted by G Plus.
In a candid interview, Pathak talked to G Plus about the play “What’s Done is Done” and the bond he shares with the veteran actor and director Rajat Kapoor.
This is your second Guwahati Theatre Festival experience. Tell us how you feel being back in the city?
Vinay - It feels like coming back home. We have been coming to Guwahati to do theatre for a long time now. It was just last year when we got a call from G Plus inviting us for the first edition of GTF. It was great fun performing for the Guwahati audience last year. And now that I’m back for the second season, I have started to feel like a senior member of the festival - It just feels like Homecoming.
What are your expectations from the Guwahati audience?
Vinay - I expect the same enthusiasm from the audience as they showed last year. They are very warm and intelligent lot. So, we are very excited to perform in front of them.
Your experience of working with Rajat Kapoor?
Vinay - Rajat and I were friends before we began working together. We saw each other through our struggles. There is a certain comfort level between us. We are all like-minded people and partners not just in cinema but also in life.
We’ve known each other for over a decade now and our journey as co-workers began with a play that we did together called "C for Clown". The special thing is the trust, faith and warmth we have. In spite of going through so many experiences, our bond has remained genuine which is how it should be.
Comedy is one of the most difficult genres in the school of acting. You have excelled in this. Is there a method to it?
Vinay - When you do a job like this, create an art, yes, the spontaneity of the craft is very refreshing. But at the same time, the artist finds a way to express himself. The method is about how you start it. It is then that you begin to see how you’d shape your character.
Anything particular about Guwahati/Assam that you like?
Vinay - I am a big fan of Assamese cuisine and I truly, really envy the people here who get to eat the delicious ethnic food every day. I feel Assamese food is the best in the country. It satisfies and tingles with the taste buds perfectly.
Are there any upcoming theatre projects and movies?
Vinay - Yes, we have two new plays. Last year we performed Hamlet - The Clown Prince. This year, we’re performing What’s Done is Done which is an adaptation of Macbeth. I’m also involved in another play called As You Like It with the same troupe. Along with that, a few movies are in process and are slated to release in the beginning of next year.
