Ranjit Kapoors Chekhov ki Duniya is a realistic depiction of everyday life His writing is objective,his concerns real. But it is Anton Chekhov's humane outlook that draws me to his work,'' says Ranjit Kapoor,in the city with his play Chekhov Ki Duniya. The play,based on a collection of six short stories,was staged on the final day of the Chandigarh Heritage Festival. Chekhov Ki Duniya comprises stories that are a realistic portrayal of everyday life. "Chekhov took the short story form to perfection,his stories replete with wit and humour,incorporating a socially responsible approach,leaving the reader to extract a meaning," he adds. A renowned theatre director,translator,actor and writer of screenplays,Kapoor has directed a number of television serials,written dialogues for popular films such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron,Woh Saat Din,Bandit Queen and screenplays for Ek Ruka Hua Faisla,Khamosh and Lajja. His first feature film Chintuji received the Stardust Awards for best feature film and best direction. It has been an eventful journey,smiles Kapoor,but he still finds theatre fantastic and fascinating,"Theatre's abstraction is engrossing and it has a long life,with a 500 BC script available for our use. Television makes one look smaller,cinema makes one larger than life,but it is stage that approximates closest to flesh and blood,'' he adds. Kapoor agrees that one does not need sets,costumes or details to stage a play. It is,however,essential for both the director and the actors to interpret it correctly. "My plays are never preachy,as I am against propaganda. What I translate is not just words but emotions. A live art like theatre makes us a better person,gives us a better life and has therapeutic value," he signs off.
