“…my second home, my Theatrenama.”

Although managing college and theatre was tough, I found a way to attend morning rehearsals for the price of two lectures and a hectic schedule but it was all worth it. With “Tajmahal Ka Tender” being my first play with TheatreNama, in which I performed four roles, I stepped into the world of acting and also did backstage work for a number of shows. I feel my growth as an actor took off after I joined TheatreNama and I hope I can continue to leave the audience in awe every time I perform!

I love acting and being on stage, and Theaternama is so welcoming towards new talent! It is amazing how in a matter of a couple of weeks they make you feel like you are a part of their family. I mean, “Wah yaar, waaah…” Every time I enter Theatrenama studio (our rehearsal space), I get so excited as it is brimming with so many talented people working hard towards their next play and character. “Matlab maza hi aa jata hai!”

When I entered the world of theatre, I was looking for a platform to showcase my talent. When the opportunity came calling, I grabbed it with both hands. In my very first stage performance I took a bold step and performed two characters in two separate plays with a gap of just ten minutes. A passionate lover in, “Canvas Ki Maut” and a mischievous sister in, “Family”. And I am indebted to TheatreNama for trusting me, a first time performer to essay two different characters in one day. Thank you TheatreNama

I'm Monish, a young and passionate actor and writer based in Bengaluru. My journey in theatre began in 2019, and I've been fortunate to immerse myself in various aspects of this art form, including writing, production, and numerous workshops throughout my training. I had the pleasure of acting in a musical play titled “Amrita Sher Gil” with the theatre group Organizational Theatre, and I've also had the opportunity to feature in two short films, “Aashiq Phir Ek Baar” and “Supta.” Currently, I'm proudly associated with Theaternama Drama Society and other theatre groups in Bengaluru. Fluent in five languages - Kannada, Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu - I consider myself a versatile artist, always eager to quench my thirst for creative expression.

Wherever stuck and surrounded I am with plastic world outside, at the end of the day I crawl back to this place that calls out to me with a big smile; my second home, my Theatrenama. Meri ichhaon aur dabe hunar ko haqeeqat mein tabdeel karne wali ye chhoti si jagah, mujhe meri nazar se bohot badi dikhayi deti hai. The stage to my actor, the saviour company to my loneliness in the big city, the safe space to my expressions, and the warmth to my vulnerable. Bas yahi kahungi ki roshni bohot hai aur barkarar hai meri zindagi mein yahan :,)

From, “Hi, I am here for an Internship,” to, “This place saved my life,” Theatrenama transformed into the unexpected home I now cherish. If I could whisper to the ecstatic 7th-grade girl celebrating her first play, promising a future among Theatre professionals and ardent artists, tears of joy would likely flow from her go-getter eyes. Starting as an Intern and evolving into roles of Assistant Director, Dancer, Musician, and Actor for ‘Gagan Damama Bajyo’ and relishing my ‘Miss Chandani’ moment in ‘Refund,’ I lived the exhaustive but worth-it process of crafting a play professionally from scratch. Theatrenama isn't just another Theatre organisation; it's a family that consistently inspired growth, provided unwavering support, offered exposure, and guided me towards becoming an independent artist. Theatrenama gave me hope—nurtured trust in the process, encouraged healthy risks, and made me the Jahnvi, the ‘7th grade Jahnvi’ always aspired to be.

When you manage to land into a space with so much of talent, you get the best chance to groom yourself and take your interest to the next level. Groomed by Aashish Rana and well supported by all the senior actors and members of TheatreNama, you will enjoy the journey of being an artist, even while doing your age-old day job.

My journey in Theatrenama has been filled with countless rehearsals, workshops, exercises and undeniable thrill of live performance. Theatrenama is more than just a theatre group - it’s a family. Together we laugh, we cry, we make memories for a lifetime. I feel fortunate to be part of this group through which I got the opportunity to perform on a stage like ‘Ranga Shankara’ and in the prestigious halls of IIM Bangalore. Perhaps the most unforgettable chapter will be the opportunity to play a transgender in the production “Mera Wajood”. It was a role through which I deep delve into the complexities of identity, empathy and acceptance.

Joining Theatrenama has been the best decision that I've made till date. I would like to give credit for this to Priyanshu Bhaiya, my college senior and another shining star of Theatrenama who recommended me to join Theatrenama after having performed streetplays, skits and Mad ads together since our college days.

Theatrenama welcomed me with open hands when I joined in April, 2023. Bawa is no doubt the best person to groom people to become a good theatre artist.

I feel lucky to have got the opportunity to kick start my professional theatre journey at Rangashankara when I performed in Gagan Damama Bajyo. There has been no looking back ever since as I've grabbed every opportunity to perform in wonderful plays like “Chhapra ke Deewaney”, “Moteram ka Satyagrah”, “Refund”.

Theatrenama is and will always be my second family.

“Life is like a theater with only a few practical entrances.” I realized this when I joined Theatre Nama. After college and a corporate job, I craved self-discovery. My search led me to Theatre Nama, a Hindi theatre group in Bangalore. It transformed me, providing a platform for acting, singing, and poetry, molding me into a new person.

Weekend workshops, led by Bawa (Ashish Rana - TheatreNama founder) and senior actor Aman Joshi, taught me essential skills like characterization and voice modulation, aiding my performances. I also had the opportunity to learn from directors like Sindhu Savanur and senior actors like Prateek Radder.

Theatre Nama also offered a platform for singing and poetry through the open mic event, Echos. This fueled my motivation to explore these talents.

I found my true self at Theatre Nama, having lost myself in the corporate world.

Roller-coaster ride. The only place where one gets an opportunity irrespective of age / time constraints / experience / disability. There are no judgements and bias. One can express freely and ask for help if one is stuck. No question is stupid and nothing is wrong or right. One feels spoilt with various time options to choose from and be part of play. No role or work is big or small. Based on growth one gets to explore various opportunities from light / sound / AD / Direction etc

Aspiring to become an actor I was desperately looking for a Theatre group to start my journey. After enquiring at several places and contacting multiple people, I came across a post of TheatreNama workshop and called them immediately. Since I wasn't well versed in Hindi I was in a dilemma whether to join but I was so desperate that I just wanted to start and that's one of the best decision of my life. The heart of this group Aashish Rana widely known as Bawa who's been like my brother supported me right from the start. Despite not being fluent in Hindi he trusted me and offered me to stage in a play like “Maharathi” within a week of joining and ever since then he's constantly been there and I've performed in nine productions so far playing roles like “Ramchandar”, “Rajguru”, “Secret Agent 303” “Anthony” and so on. What was a group of 25 people when I joined is now one of the fastest growing theatre groups in Bengaluru with more than 150 people. For me, Theatrenama is not just a theatre group but also my second family and Home. No matter what your profession or age is, no matter what your barriers are, Theatrenama welcomes everyone and provides them a chance to fulfill their passion and dreams. The only thing you need to pay them is your dedication and commitment.

Joined the February 2024 cohort driven by my life principle: i.e. LIVING LIFE ON THE LEARNING CURVE. The Experience is amazing. The journey has been extraordinary, fostering a sense of belonging to a new family, deep engagement, and a space to nurture passion for art and theatre. To those in their 50s and beyond, seize the moment; it’s never too late to rediscover the youth in you. Grateful for TheatreNama and its wonderful community. God bless TheatreNama, the founder Ashish Rana and its committed members who make what ThreatreNama is today.

Being a part of Theatrenama for over two years has been an enriching journey, akin to finding solace in a second home, especially after a rough day at the office. The warmth and camaraderie within the group, coupled with the invaluable lessons learned, have been truly remarkable. Venturing into professional Hindi theatre seemed like a distant dream, particularly in a city like Bangalore where Hindi isn't widely spoken. Yet, Theatrenama's steadfast presence and unwavering support have not only provided me with the opportunity to learn but also to earn a livelihood. The trust placed in individuals based not just on their skills, but also on their dedication and hard work, is commendable. Performing on prestigious stages like Rangashankara has been surreal, and having the founder's unwavering belief in me, regardless of the possibility of mistakes, is truly humbling. Theatrenama has become my sanctuary, where I can escape from life's challenges and immerse myself in the world of theatre. My heartfelt gratitude, love, and best wishes go out to the Theatrenama family.

If you have an acting ambition in your heart and living in Bangalore then TheatreNama is the place to fulfil your desire. Whenever I go for workshop or rehearsals I see the change in me every single day and that’s what the beauty of Theatrenama, I feel like at home here with full of artistic thoughts. I genuinely feel that theatre has made me a better person.