Paresh Rawal returns to Mumbai theatre after over a decade

Actor’s play Kishan Vs Kanhaiya to be staged in city, would like to do a stand-up comedy show next.

Paresh Rawal, who returns to the Mumbai theatre scene after 11 years with his play Kishan Vs Kanhaiya, has stand-up comedy next on his agenda.

“I would love to do a stand-up comedy show, if I find a good script for it. I find the concept both interesting and challenging,” says the actor.

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Ask him why it took him so long to return to theatre and he says, “I haven’t been away from the stage. I have been performing abroad and in other cities. It’s just that it’s been 11 years since I performed in Mumbai.”

The actor’s play, Kishan Vs Kanhaiya, has travelled to various cities over 100 times.

However, it will be staged in Mumbai for the first time on August 15 at Rangsharda Bhavan, Bandra. The last time he took to the stage in the city was in 2000, with a play called Khel with Naseeruddin Shah.

“I love the comical manner in which the script was written. Though it’s a serious subject, I make sure it’s not difficult to digest,” says Paresh, adding that, “It’s not a mindless comedy. It will make you think as well as laugh. It’s about an atheist’s battle with God.” The play and the Gujarati comedy, which Kishan Vs Kanhaiya has been adapted from, are both directed by Umesh Shukla. Paresh’s wife, Swaroop Sampat, has produced it.