Dilip Guha, New Delhi : The acclaimed Kanupriya Theatre Company of Delhi NCR recently staged Anuradha, a powerful adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s celebrated Bengali literary work, at the LTG Auditorium, Mandi House. Adapted and directed by Aakshay Yaduvanshi, the production marked a milestone in the company’s repertoire — its most ambitious self-produced classical play to date.
“Like Anuradha, I find it hard to fully express my emotions, my joys, or my sorrows in front of others. There’s this reserved nature we both share, where we keep things close to the heart. One thing that really stands out is how Anuradha finds happiness despite the lack of material things or external validation—it’s something I deeply connect with. That ability to find contentment within ourselves, even when life feels incomplete”
Set in early 20th-century Bengal, Anuradha tells the story of a resolute, unmarried woman from an affluent family who refuses to be subdued by societal constraints. Instead of yielding to her circumstances, she confronts them with quiet defiance and unwavering strength.
Sarat Chandra’s narratives have long offered a tender yet radical portrayal of womanhood — not through overt declarations, but through deeply empathetic storytelling. His women are autonomous, flawed, and fiercely human, making choices that are not always heroic, but always their own. Anuradha channels this spirit with remarkable fidelity, bringing to life a world shaped by tradition, longing, and the subtle tremors of rebellion.
Notably, the cast featured non-Bengali actors who embraced their roles with remarkable sensitivity. Rashmi Singh, a renowned theatre artist from Delhi-NCR, portrayed Anuradha with a quiet dignity that transcended linguistic boundaries. Her performance captured the character’s inner turmoil and resilience, balancing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
In an email interview with this reporter, Rashmi Singh shared her deep gratitude for being cast in the role — one she had long aspired to play.
“Anuradha is not just a character,” she reflected, “she’s a mirror to every woman who has ever questioned, endured, and chosen for herself.”
Excerpts from the Interview :
What drew you to the role of Anuradha in this play, and how do you think your character contributes to the overall narrative?
Rashmi Singh: Anuradha’s storyline and her character really resonated with me on a personal level. I feel connected to her journey in many ways, and that emotional pull was what attracted me the most to this project. Her depth and the way her story unfolds just hit home for me. The story itself is titled Anuradha, which says a lot. It begins with her and ends with her, so she’s central to the narrative. I see Anuradha as the thread that ties every character together.
How did you prepare for the role, and what challenges did you face in portraying Anuradha’s character?
Rashmi Singh: Preparing for Anuradha was a team effort — involving myself, my directors, and my co-actors. At times, I struggled to fully understand the layers of her character, especially her inner conflicts. That’s where my director, Akshay sir, and Guncha ma’am truly guided me as mentors, guiding me through the process. For preparation, I immersed myself in research—watching Bengali films, studying the language, costumes, and cultural nuances. I tried to gather as much information as I could and execute it to the best of my ability. The biggest challenge for me was portraying romance, as Anuradha’s character is reserved and doesn’t openly express emotions. Acting through pauses and subtle expressions was tough, but I owe so much to my directors for their constant guidance and support whenever I needed it. I was able to bring her to life.
Do you see any similarities between yourself and Anuradha’s character?
Rashmi Singh: Honestly, it feels like the only difference between me and Anuradha is our names. Her nature and her struggles are so similar to mine. Many of the events in Anuradha’s life have happened to me in some way or another. The way she carries her pain, her personal battles, and how they’re so uniquely hers—I relate to that deeply. It’s like her struggles and emotions reflect my own experiences.
How do you think your own life experiences or personality traits have helped you connect with Anuradha’s character?
Rashmi Singh: Like Anuradha, I find it hard to fully express my emotions, my joys, or my sorrows in front of others. There’s this reserved nature we both share, where we keep things close to the heart. One thing that really stands out is how Anuradha finds happiness despite the lack of material things or external validation—it’s something I deeply connect with. That ability to find contentment within ourselves, even when life feels incomplete
What has been the most rewarding experience for you while working on this play?
Rashmi Singh: The most rewarding part was collaborating with my incredible team and our amazing directors. The chemistry we have on stage reflects how we are during rehearsals—full of energy, laughter, and support. We don’t just work together; we share fun moments, personal challenges, and emotions, creating a real bond. Getting to work with such a talented team on a unique and compelling story like Anuradha was truly the highlight for me.
How do you think the novel’s themes and characters have been adapted or reinterpreted for the stage?
Rashmi Singh: First and foremost, I deeply appreciate our director, Akshay sir, for adapting Sharatchandra ji’s writing so beautifully. He ensured that every character was given the same importance as the main roles in the original story. Adapting Sharatchandra ji’s narrative, weaving it into words, and presenting the entire story within a limited timeframe was a tremendous challenge. Whether it was Prabha, Anita, the child Kumar, or Santosh’s transformation, our director made sure they were portrayed with as much significance as Vijay and Anuradha, and he did it with such finesse.
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How do you think the themes of the play, such as love, sacrifice, or social commentary, resonate with contemporary audiences? And how do you think this role has helped you grow as an actor or as a person?
Rashmi Singh: The themes of love, sacrifice, and social commentary in Anuradha feel timeless. Love’s complexity, sacrifice for others, and struggles with societal expectations mirror modern life; direction makes these themes fresh and relatable, connecting deeply with contemporary audiences.
Playing Anuradha was a huge growth opportunity for me as an actor. Unlike my previous roles, which relied less on my own research, Anuradha required a deeper exploration. The challenge was that she couldn’t openly express her emotions or scream them out like other characters I’ve played. That restraint was tough but incredibly rewarding. This role taught me that when you get a script like this, you have to connect with the character’s life on a deeper level—not just perform
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to take on complex characters like Anuradha? What message do you want to convey to the audience through your portrayal of Anuradha?
Rashmi Singh: To aspiring actors: My advice to aspiring actors is to immerse yourself in the character’s world fully. For a role like Anuradha, it’s not enough to just act—you need to live their life, understand their habits, their silences, and their inner struggles. Research deeply, whether it’s the culture, language, or emotional nuances of the character. Don’t shy away from the challenge of restraint; sometimes, the most powerful performances come from what’s unspoken. Work closely with your directors and co-actors, as their guidance can unlock new layers. Most importantly, be patient with yourself—complex characters take time to embody, but that journey will make you a stronger actor.
To the audience: I want audiences to see strength in vulnerability and find inspiration in Anuradha’s quiet resilience. Her story shows that deep emotions don’t need to be loud, and one can find happiness and strength despite life’s challenges.
Also Read : Anuradha: Reviving Sarat Chandra’s Vision for Today
