Act Two

Looking back at his time spent in theatre,Sethi says his tryst with the stage began in the early ’60s as a make-up artiste,when not many people were aware about the technique and importance of make-up for theatre. “We would invest our money to buy make-up and convince actors to try it,for it was a new art. Now of course,it’s an indispensable part of theatre,and we have come a long way since then,with me experimenting with television and cinema too,’’ says Sethi,who has also directed few plays.

From the loud Parsi style theatre of acting to the now more natural style,Sethi’s baritone voice got him powerful roles. After performing more than 500 plays in India and abroad,he admits it’s tough to pick out his favourites.

As Col Surat Singh in Court Martial,the play went on to have 400 shows. His other popular roles include playing Kans in Katha Ek Kans Ki and the Mughal-ruler Aurangzeb in Zafarnama. Sethi says he likes playing historical characters,as they are more intricate and have negative shades in them. As for the audience response,Sethi notes,the theatre audience in Chandigarh is more discerning and encouraging.

Nowadays,Sethi is preparing for a role in theatre director Umesh Kant’s Sandhya Chhaya. The play narrates the story of an old couple living alone,as their children are settled abroad. “I can connect to such a situation and feelings and am now looking forward to a new chapter in theatre,’’ smiles Sethi.