BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL

Neil Bhoopalam regales us with magical stories from the world of live theatre. Kannagi Desai gets a front-row se seat

- Kannagi Desai

From the age of four, when I first stepped onto the stage, the theatre felt like home. The electric energy of live performance, the immediacy of the audience's response, and the visceral connection between actor and viewer have left an indelible mark on me. Today, as we stand on the cusp of a cultural renaissance, it's interesting to inquire why this ancient art form remains vital, particularly in a country as diverse and dynamic as ours.

This personal passion for the stage led me to speak to Neil Bhoopalam-an actor who has gracefully traversed the realms of film, television, OTT, and, most notably, theatre. Known for his nuanced performances across mediums, Bhoopalam's career is deeply rooted in the craft of live performance. Our conversation explored why theatre continues to hold a unique power in shaping both actors and audiences alike.

FIRST LOVE: THE ACTOR'S MEDIUM

For Bhoopalam, theatre will always be the 'actor's medium.' He compares acting across different platforms to a cricketer adapting to various game formats. "On stage, it's just you, the audience, and the moment-you are completely exposed," he explains. "The director can't save you with a cut or a retake in theatre. You're walking a tightrope, and the audience is with you."