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Journalism of Courage
Renowned actor Vinay Pathak, known for his ability to seamlessly blend humor, tragedy, and emotional depth, is bringing his critically acclaimed solo performance, ‘Nothing Like Lear’ to Pune, which is set to be staged between January 10 to 12 at the Shreeram Lagoo Rang-Avakash.
Directed by his longtime collaborator Rajat Kapoor, this innovative adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, the play will have five shows: 7 PM on January 10, and 5 PM and 8 PM on January 11 and 12.
“This play has touched audiences worldwide, and I’m thrilled to bring it to a city that has always celebrated the arts. ‘Nothing Like Lear’ is not just a performance, it’s a testament to the timeless power of storytelling and the magic of live theatre. This isn’t just King Lear, it’s a deeply human story told through the eyes of a clown. It’s a journey into emotions we all share, performed in a way that’s both engaging and thought-provoking,” Pathak explained.
Pathak has performed Nothing Like Lear over 100 times across the globe and the play, presented in a mix of English and gibberish, uses the narrative of a clown to explore universal themes such as love, loss, parent-child relationships, aging, and authority.
Pathak, while elucidating on his preparation, stressed that it is was “paramount”, adding, “Reading the script multiple times uncovers layers of truth and nuance.” He further described the play as a collaborative effort, highlighting the creative synergy he shares with Kapoor, whom he calls “a fantastic friend who keeps things in perspective.”
Pathak also reflected on how acting has shaped his life, calling it “a humbling and gratifying profession” that allows him to do what he loves most. Yet, despite his global recognition, Pathak remains grounded, attributing his perspective to his close circle of friends and collaborators. “Fame isn’t the goal. It’s about doing what I love and staying creative. That’s what keeps me going,” he shared.
Pathak further emphasized the enduring appeal of theatre in the digital age, noting that social media has helped amplify its reach. “Theatre thrives because it connects deeply with people. Every performance is a dialogue with the audience, and I look forward to experiencing that energy in Pune,” he said.
Beyond theatre, Pathak revealed his passion for travel, cooking vegetarian meals, and playing the bongo. He also hinted at upcoming projects, including a film script he hopes to develop.
