Manoj Bajpayee: Theatre needs government support to survive

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says that if theatre is doing well in any part of the world, it is because the state is supporting the art form.

Before actor Manoj Bajpayee ventured into films, he spent years in Delhi studying theatre at the National School of Drama. Though he has established himself in Bollywood, theatre remains close to his heart. He feels that theatre can only grow in a country if it gets the right support from the government.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says that the government should open an acting school in his hometown, Belwa, to utilise the acting talent there. (HT Photo)

“Theatre can only become independent if the state supports theatre activities and makes sure that the actors associated with it get required support. If theatre is performing well in any part of the world, it is because the state is supporting the art form. Without that, theatre doesn’t thrive anywhere,” says Manoj, who is known for his films such as Satya (1998), Pinjar (2003) and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).

The actor recently said that the government should open an acting school in his home-town, Belwa, in order to utilise the acting talent there. “ I want the government to take the initiative and really think about opening a film institute and theatre school, similar to the National School of Drama. There is so much of talent there [in Bihar] and most of them don’t have the resources to go to a film school. If I am of any help, I am ready to provide it. But alone, I don’t have that much of money and resources to start a [theatre] school,” adds Manoj.

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