Ayesha Raza: ‘The stage is not very limiting to actors in terms of age, size, or looks’

You have worked across various mediums — films, TV, OTT, and theatre — which do you enjoy the most and why?

Without a doubt, I enjoy theatre more. For me, the process of a theatrical production is very exciting as it entails working with a new cast, and crew, and creating something over a period of time. In theatre, the level of bonding is completely different from that in films. And, as an actor, I feel I’m able to express myself more on stage, than in a film. I also feel that the stage is not very limiting to actors in terms of age, size, or looks because it’s a much more flexible medium. So that’s why I prefer the stage.

But each medium requires a different kind of effort and time — does one challenge you more than the other as an artiste?

Whether it is TV, film, or theatre, all of them are equally challenging, exciting, and difficult mediums. As an actor, you should be prepared and be able to work in all of them. One can’t put one above the other as all of them are equally important and have different reaches.

Ayesha Raza in a scene from Baaghi Albele. (PR handout)

Tell us about your role in Baaghi Albele, and what about it compelled you to take it up?

Baaghi Albele is about a bunch of actors in Punjab who are battling an oppressive government, that is arresting artists and artisans talking against them. There’s no specification; it’s just a general situation. In it, I play Minnie Makhija, a very loud, slightly overacting, but very confident person. What challenged me to take up the role was that it was initially in Punjabi, which is not my first language as I am from Uttar Pradesh. And, to top it all, all other cast members were Punjabi. But I did manage to pull it off and was very happy because a lot of people didn’t make out that I am not originally Punjabi. Also, I have returned to the stage after almost 11-12 years. So preparing for this part has honestly been very exciting and special since my director placed a lot of faith in me.

The play, though a satire, explores the struggle of artists and intellectuals in a time of government repression and reflects on the relevance of art and artists in contemporary times. As an artiste yourself, how much do you relate to the play?

Of course, one can relate to it as art is only a medium of expression, right? All over the world, there have been situations, over the centuries, where certain governments have tried to stifle the voice of artists. I have seen it happen and understand it.

What would you say is the most challenging/tricky/difficult thing about being an actor in today’s time?

I don’t think it’s any more challenging than it was many years ago. Every era has its own set of challenges. But, today, owing to social media, things have changed drastically as you need to make yourself relevant there, too. I find it to be most challenging because I’m not very good at it. I’ve been told that I should be more visible on social media or try to present myself in a different manner. So, I am working on that as I get scared at the thought of making a (Instagram) reel.

The play is a comedy, considered to be a challenging genre. It is something that comes naturally to you?

I enjoy comedy, which is a matter of timing. Most people will tell you that comic timing normally is inherent. But, you can learn anything; any form of acting. Yes, you should have some aspect of it in you, but the rest can be developed as you keep working. However, I do enjoy comedy as a genre. I feel happy that I make people happy — that’s the best part.

The story is based on the motion picture “To Be or Not to Be” by Ernst Lubitsch and adapted from the dramatic text of the same name by Nick Whitby.

Over the years, which do you consider your best performance, and what role do you wish to do/have essayed?

I don’t want to judge. Every role has given me something — lots of happiness, and recognition, among other things.

Many actors get stereotyped on their journey. In such cases, what can one do to stay different and relevant?

Even if you get stereotyped, you should be grateful that you are getting work in such a competitive industry. I mean, of course, a lot of us have been categorised into mummy-papa roles, which go on to become our speciality as you don’t have must choice in Bollywood. But, even in that, you can talk to your director and work out how you can do things differently. So even if it is a stereotyped character, you can always add more layers to it.

As such, how would you describe your journey of being an actor?

Very, grateful, lucky, and, you know, very, very happy that this is the profession I have ended up in. My profession makes me 125% happy.

You are married to Kumud Mishra, who is also an actor. Do you both often discuss work at home, and do not believe in bringing work to the dinner table/ do you share feedback/constructive criticism?

Of course, we discuss work. I think that the best part about being married to an actor is that you’re always getting constructive criticism. In fact, we are highly critical of each other’s work. I come home and my husband tells me waha pe aise kyu kiya, or I tell him that a particular scene didn’t work. I feel very lucky that we have each other for support, to learn, and grow together.

Baaghi Albele, by Aadyam Theatre — an Aditya Birla Group Initiative, was recently staged in New Delhi.

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