Aquarius Productions, Mumbai, brings This time For Bengaluru. Written and directed by Akarsh Khurana, Udaasin is the comedy troupe’s 80th play. Akash is the founder of 24 year old Aquarius Productions and son of veteran theater and cinema actor Akash Khurana.
Aquarius has staged plays in every genre and language, some of which have been nominated for Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards. Akarsh is also a film director, who has written scripts for films like Krish In addition to directing web sketches, cineplays and a television movie (real fm,
The play is mainly in English and has a fair amount of Hindi in it, Akash said over phone from Mumbai. “This is our latest production and we staged it in Mumbai on November 23 and Bengaluru is the first city where we are traveling with this play. The play is based on a college reunion, where the protagonists meet after almost two decades.’
Akarsh says that things did not end well between the heroes, who were in a relationship. “They both are not eager to see each other. They go to the reunion thinking the other one is not coming. The play revolves around these two people, taking a walk down memory lane, ending on a larger theme of nostalgia, how things and people change with time.
This time, Akarsh says it’s also about growing up. “Whether you’re 18 or 40, you’re going to have problems. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you’re always an adult.”
The films the director has made Caravan And Rashmi Rocket and co-wrote its two seasons Three times, Last year he directed Jugadistan Lionsgate Play and a second season mismatch for Netflix, which is currently in production for Season 3.
The onset of mid-life crisis, the advantages and disadvantages of nostalgia and the concept of time are other topics. This time Makes a deal, says Akash. “Time changes things and is a powerful force in itself. It is depicted through characters. For example, the two lead characters are conflicted, one is a futurologist, and the other is a museum curator who has dedicated his life to the study of the past.
Despite working in films, Akarsh says that he has been doing theater for a long time and it is his happy place and first love. “It’s something that will continue no matter what I do. Theater has also played an important role in preparing me for whatever I have done.”
Akarsh has collaborated with international playwrights, and has directed the works of Ayub Khan-Din (Rafta Rafta), David Harrower (blackbird), Hasan Abdulrazzaq (Baghdad wedding), Marius von Meynerg (ugly), Michael Puzo (Dirty thing), and most recently, a stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s the kite Runner.
Akarsh says, talking to people increases the responsibility on writing and performance. “With talented actors, I knew I could push the boundaries of characterization and dialogue. Seeing the characters come to life and seeing the actors take ownership of their roles has been truly a rewarding experience.”
Living in Mumbai, Akash says, there are challenges in finding a suitable place to practice and perform. “There are certain expenses involved in running a theater company. Despite these problems, the theater hub in Mumbai is still fantastic and gives you access to the world of theater and cinema, giving you that extra edge. Our endeavor is to travel with our plays. We come to Bengaluru frequently, including 40 shows Interview And also travel to Delhi and Pune with our plays.
Akarsh Khurana Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Akarsh says, being the son of a famous father, he never made any negative impression. “Nor have I felt the need to try to separate from his identity. We have similar sensibilities on many things and we often work together. He was clear from the beginning that he would not do me any favors. What worked for me was that I was introduced to the world of cinema and theater because of him. Seeing him work has made his fame and work less intimidating to me. When it comes to work, he allows me to find my own voice and never imposes his ideas and concepts on me.”
inserted into This time Aadar Khurana, Garima Yaznik, Kshiti Jog, Mallika Singh, Mantra and Siddharth Kumar.
This time it will be staged at Ranga Shankara on May 9 (7.30 pm) and May 10 (3.30 pm and 7.30 pm). Tickets on BookMyShow. It is open to those aged 16 and above.
