The Creative Edge

After half-a-decade in theatre,Nirmal Rishi feels a new lease of life after a Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for acting

After 50 years in theatre,it is not unusual for stage veteran Nirmal Rishi to admit that acting has become a part of her. “I’ve stopped keeping track of the plays I have done. Every time I stepped on stage,it was like a cathartic moment,” says Rishi,who has just received the 2012 Sangeet Natak Akademi award for acting. Known for her powerful portrayals in social,religious and adapted plays,Rishi was taken under the wings of renowned theatre persons of Punjab,Harpal and Neena Tiwana. “They saw my mono acting in Rajasthani when I was in college and taught me everything about the art on the job. Frequent workshops by greats such as Ebrahim Alkazi and Balwant Gargi gave us new insights into theatre. Those were the golden years,’’ she says. Rishi has done nearly 50 plays with Tiwana such as Kabuli Wala,Aate Ki Katori,Dug Dugi Payi Wajdi,Foolish King,Lesson,Adhure Sapne and Chamkaur di Garri,among others. The actor says she enjoys playing characters which are emotional,but also loves to experiment and surprise herself. “It’s paramount that after every show,the audience can take back something with them,and that the script is strong,” she says.

Also directing plays now,Rishi is training young talent and says the challenge is to keep the finances flowing. “Many talented actors have to switch to other mediums to earn their livelihood. More sponsors and no tax on theatre will really help theatre grow. In fact,I have been part of many Punjabi films,including the Laung Da Lishkara,so that I can continue to pursue theatre. Films are my bread and butter and theatre is my life,’’ says the 70-year-old with a smile. She is now working on a new Punjabi play and says that shewill be on stage as long as she lives.