Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana

Episódios

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  Musical Theatre: Stories in a Song | Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana 29.07.2026 1h 25min

  Lights up… music swells… and backstage, the energy builds as everyone searches for the cue to begin.A musical is never made by one person.It begins with an idea, finds its voice through music, comes alive through performance, and is held together by the countless artists working behind the scenes.In this special episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we explore the world of Musical Theatre with Namit Das, Shruti Sharma, Sharvari Deshpande, and Amitosh Nagpal. Together, they take us behind the curtain to unpack the many moving parts that make a musical—from writing, lyrics, and performance to collaboration, craft, and everything in between.Because a musical isn't just a play with songs. It's a story where every note, every movement, and every artist plays a part.Presented by Aadyam Theatre, An Aditya Birla Group InitiativeExecutive Producers & Promoters: Hyperlink Brand SolutionsAadyam Theatre Artistic Directors: Nadir Khan & Akarsh KhuranaPodcast Host: Akarsh KhuranaPodcast Partner: MnM TalkiesVideo Production: behindthesteveSocial Media: Kern CulturePR: The Other CircleMusical Theatre, Indian Theatre, Storytelling, Live Performance, Theatre Podcast, Performing Arts, Stagecraft, Theatre-making, Acting, Playwriting, Lyrics, Music Composition, Theatre Direction, Choreography, Theatre Production, Creative Collaboration, Behind the Scenes, Musical Storytelling, Akarsh Khurana, Namit Das, Shruti Sharma, Sharvari Deshpande, Amitosh Nagpal, Unscripted Season 3, Aadyam Theatre
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  Queer Storytelling in India: Finally Taking Center Stage I The Queer Stage I Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana 21.06.2026 56min

  The stage has always been a space for stories that challenge, celebrate, and reflect the many ways we experience the world.In this special episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we celebrate pride month with some of the voices who have shaped queer storytelling and theatre in India.Joining us are ,Sakshi Juneja , co-founder of Gaysi Family and a pioneer of queer community spaces; Vikram Phukan, critic and playwright who has documented over 100 queer plays across the country; Faezeh Jalali, actor-director known for bringing powerful stories like Shikhandi to the stage; and Rani KoHEnur, India's first globally recognized drag artist. Tune in for an honest conversation on representation, identity, and the stories that deserve to be told.Presented by Aadyam Theatre, an Aditya Birla Group InitiativeExecutive Producers & Promoters: Hyperlink Brand SolutionsAadyam Theatre Artistic Directors:adir Khan & Akarsh KhuranaPodcast Host: Akarsh KhuranaPodcast Partner: MnM TalkiesVideo Production: behindthesteveSocial Media: Kern CulturePR:The Other Circle#TheQueerStage #UnscriptedWithAkarshKhurana #AadyamTheatre #QueerTheatre #LGBTQIndia #QueerStorytelling #IndianTheatre #RepresentationMatters #PrideIndia #PodcastIndia #MnMTalkies #PerformingArts #TheatrePodcast #ArtAndCulture #IndianStorytellers
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  Spoken Word & Storytelling: Where Words Come Alive | ft. Roshan Abbas, Priya Malik & Yahya Bootwala 07.06.2026 1h 6min

  Theatre ke liye kya zaruri hota hai? Ek stage, ek light, ek insaan... aur uski ek kahani. Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana opens its doors to the world of Spoken Word and conducts a special episode with the best of spoken word artists of India. This episode features Roshan Abbas, often regarded as one of the pioneers who helped bring spoken word poetry into the mainstream in India; Priya Malik, whose powerful performances and unapologetically honest voice have inspired an entire generation of poets; and Yahya Bootwala, one of the most loved and relatable voices in contemporary spoken word, whose poems have found a home in the hearts, playlists, and saved posts of thousands.Kyuki spoken word aur theatre mein shayad utna farq nahi hai jitna hum sochte hain. Dono mein ek insaan hota hai, ek audience hoti hai, aur beech mein hoti hai ek kahani jo connection dhoondh rahi hoti hai.Presented by Aadyam Theatre, An Aditya Birla Group Initiative Executive Producers & Promoters: Hyperlink Brand Solutions Aadyam Theatre Artistic Directors: Nadir Khan & Akarsh Khurana Podcast Host: Akarsh Khurana Podcast Partner: MnM Talkies Video Production: behindthesteve Social Media: Kern Culture PR: The Other CircleSpoken Word Poetry, Indian Poetry, Storytelling, Performance Poetry, Poetry Podcast, Roshan Abbas, Priya Malik, Yahya Bootwala, Akarsh Khurana, Spoken Word India, Poetry Community, Open Mic Culture, Theatre and Poetry, Creative Writing, Contemporary Poetry, Hindi Poetry, Urdu Poetry, English Poetry, Indian Storytellers, Performing Arts, Theatre Podcast, Artist Conversations, Literary Arts, Stage Performance, Poetry Lovers, Spoken Word Artists, Indian Theatre, Storytelling Podcast, Creative Community, Poetry Performance, Live Poetry, Writers of India, Aadyam Theatre, MnM Talkies, Aditya Birla Group, Art and Culture, Youth Culture, Podcast India.
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  NSD: A Rite of Passage | ft. Kumud Mishra, Gopal Datt, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh and Durgesh Kumar 10.05.2026 1h 35min

  Aadyam Theatre Group’s Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana is back!! And this time, we’re starting with a bang! With what is basically every desi theatre kid’s dream — NSD (National School of Drama). So get your ears ready, your theatre nostalgia activated, and your inner actor slightly triggered.Joining us are Kumud Mishra, Gopal Datt, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, and Durgesh Kumar, as they take us inside those three years — where sleep is optional, hostel beds are mostly decorative, and your sense of self is… negotiable.From “Home Image” to “Lens of Status,” from Mandi House addas to full-blown existential spirals — this isn’t just training, it’s a personality overhaul.So if you’ve ever thought, “NSD try karu kya?” — or just want to witness what goes into becoming an actor — stay tuned.This one’s not just an episode. It’s a rite of passage.Lights. Stage. Chaos.Welcome to NSD.Presented by Aadyam Theatre, An Aditya Birla Group Initiative Executive Producers & Promoters: Hyperlink Brand SolutionsAadyam Theatre Artistic Directors: Nadir Khan & Akarsh Khurana Podcast Host: Akarsh Khurana Podcast Partner: MnM Talkies Video Production: behindthesteve Social Media: Kern Culture PR: The Other CircleUnscripted with Akarsh Khurana, Aadyam Theatre, NSD, National School of Drama, Akarsh Khurana, Kumud Mishra, Gopal Datt, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Durgesh Kumar, NSD podcast, theatre podcast india, hindi podcast,NSD life, mandi house, delhi theatre, indian theatre, actor training, drama school india, theatre actors, bollywood actors, acting school, theatre culture, stage actors, actor journey, acting career, theatre community, mumbai theatre, delhi actors, NSD stories, kumud mishra interview, gopal datt interview, durgesh kumar interview, ipshita chakraborty singh interview, panchaayat, meta
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  Exclusive Audio Cut: The Legacy Of Theatre Ft. Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Family | Aadyam Podcast 20.05.2025 1h 42min

  In this powerful season finale, Akarsh Khurana sits down with the legendary Shah family - Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Heeba Shah, Imaad Shah, and Vivaan Shah for their first-ever podcast appearance together.Through candid reflections, spirited banter, and deeply personal stories, the Shahs take us behind the curtain of their remarkable lives in Indian theatre and cinema. From the early days of artistic rebellion and backstage chaos, to family dinners turned creative summits, this episode is a rich exploration of legacy, learning, and living artfully.What’s it like growing up in a theatre dynasty? Learning the craft of acting across generations, Navigating the complex balance of family and professionalism, The evolution of iconic productions like Waiting for Godot and Dear Liar, Education and self-discovery in creative careers are important? And many more such questions!Expect witty anecdotes, sincere insights, and a masterclass in storytelling—featuring the finest family of theatre.Whether you're a drama enthusiast or just curious about what it’s like to be a part of the shah family, this conversation is bursting with warmth, wisdom, and Shah-style sharpness.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes.
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  The Legacy Of Theatre Ft. Naseeruddin Shah , Ratna Pathak Shah and Family | Aadyam Podcast 18.05.2025 1h 14min

  In this powerful season finale, Akarsh Khurana sits down with the legendary Shah family - Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Heeba Shah, Imaad Shah, and Vivaan Shah for their first-ever podcast appearance together.Through candid reflections, spirited banter, and deeply personal stories, the Shahs take us behind the curtain of their remarkable lives in Indian theatre and cinema. From the early days of artistic rebellion and backstage chaos, to family dinners turned creative summits, this episode is a rich exploration of legacy, learning, and living artfully.What’s it like growing up in a theatre dynasty? Learning the craft of acting across generations, Navigating the complex balance of family and professionalism, The evolution of iconic productions like Waiting for Godot and Dear Liar, Education and self-discovery in creative careers are important? And many more such questions!Expect witty anecdotes, sincere insights, and a masterclass in storytelling—featuring the finest family of theatre.Whether you're a drama enthusiast or just curious about what it’s like to be a part of the shah family, this conversation is bursting with warmth, wisdom, and Shah-style sharpness.00:00-01:21 - Episode Introduction 01:22-02:30 - Guest Introduction 02:31-06:20 - How is growing up a shah? 06:21-10:37 - Personal and Professional Demarcation? 10:38-11:25 - “Dear Liar” 11:26-13:06 - Family as well as Artistic Partners 13:07-21:17 - How did Senior Shah's Parents shape them? 21:18-22:34 - Did you always want your kids to carry your legacy? 22:35-26:20 - You can never skip your education! 26:21-28:26 - Importance of Education 28:27-33:41 - “Waiting for Godot”33:42-36:33 - The experience of watching Waiting for Godot36:34-38:24 - Vivan’s experience in the play 38:25-41:41 - The difference in Approaches towards acting 41:42-43:35 - Theatre Acting Vs Cinema Acting43:36-46:40 - Vivaan’s experience working with Cameras46:41-47:38 - You should never focus on the next line! 47:39-49:22 - I carry the knapsack of my theatre tricks! 49:23-52:35 - Difference in efforts when acting in the cinema? 52:36-53:31 - How many shifts in a day?53:32-54:41 - Heeba’s training as a Director! 54:42-56:24 - Alchemy Theatre Group56:25-59:06 - How to figure out if a play isn't working? 59:07-1:01:25 - Future of Motley Productions1:01:26-1:04:05 - Legacy and Owning a Performance Space1:04:06-1:14:35 - Slow Burn Round 1:14:36-1:14:54 - Episode Outro
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  Exclusive Audio Cut: The Rise of Internet Stars! Ft. Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aisha Ahmed, Aadar Malik, Akarsh Khurana 05.05.2025 1h 11min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana – Season 2, we shine the spotlight on a new generation of storytellers redefining performance and creativity — Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aadar Malik and Aisha Ahmed.From viral videos to theatre stages, screen roles to sketch comedy, these multi-talented creators and performers have carved out unique spaces for themselves in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. They join Akarsh for a candid, chaotic, and deeply insightful conversation about what it means to be a modern-day artist in India.What’s it like navigating the industry as a digital-first creator? How do you maintain authenticity while juggling algorithms, auditions, and expectations? What shifts when a YouTuber steps onto the stage or a theatre kid goes viral online? And what does “holding space” even mean in this hyper-connected, content-hungry world?Expect sharp reflections, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and refreshing honesty about the joys, struggles, and sheer hustle of living a creative life.Whether you're a budding influencer, a theatre nerd, or just someone curious about the messy beauty of modern storytelling — this episode is packed with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of heart.Watch the episode to know more!
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  NOT JUST CONTENT CREATORS! | Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aisha Ahmed, Aadar Malik, Akarsh Khurana 05.05.2025 1h 5min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana – Season 2, we shine the spotlight on a new generation of storytellers redefining performance and creativity — Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aadar Malik and Aisha Ahmed.From viral videos to theatre stages, screen roles to sketch comedy, these multi-talented creators and performers have carved out unique spaces for themselves in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. They join Akarsh for a candid, chaotic, and deeply insightful conversation about what it means to be a modern-day artist in India.What’s it like navigating the industry as a digital-first creator? How do you maintain authenticity while juggling algorithms, auditions, and expectations? What shifts when a YouTuber steps onto the stage or a theatre kid goes viral online? And what does “holding space” even mean in this hyper-connected, content-hungry world?Expect sharp reflections, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and refreshing honesty about the joys, struggles, and sheer hustle of living a creative life.Whether you're a budding influencer, a theatre nerd, or just someone curious about the messy beauty of modern storytelling — this episode is packed with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of heart.Watch the episode to know more!📱 Listen on other platforms:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-akarsh-khurana/id1795005785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32MtZrIUns7iU0jSDBykfO?si=CSXs_bLPQOqXV-290UlsxQ&nd=1&dlsi=3d64464610364822Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a3e58c5f-946f-434b-82f9-3d5b181b322e/unscripted-with-akarsh-khuranaCastboxhttps://castbox.fm/channel/Unscripted-with-Akarsh-Khurana-id6423561?country=usJiosaavnhttps://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/unscripted-with-akarsh-khurana/2/7MBPS-LoM40_🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!#UnscriptedWithAkarshKhurana #season2premiere
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  Feminism in Theatre | Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole, and Manasi Parekh 19.04.2025 45min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana - Season 2, we celebrate the fierce, fearless, and fabulous women of Indian theatre — Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole, and Manasi Parekh.With decades of experience on stage and screen, these powerhouse performers and storytellers take us behind the curtain to explore the craft, chaos, and courage it takes to thrive in the performing arts.What does it mean to hold space as a woman in this industry? What are the disparities they face? How is it to be a Women Director in the Theatre Circle? And many more such questions!Expect honest reflections, humorous anecdotes, and a whole lot of wisdom as they share the joys and heartbreaks of a life in storytelling.Whether you're a theatre buff, an aspiring actor, or just curious about the magic behind the scenes this conversation is rich with insight, inspiration, and sisterhood.00:00 -01:03 - Episode Introduction01:04-01:59 - Guest Introduction02:00-07:47 - Does Disparity Exist in Theatre? 07:48-12:50 - What's it like to be a Women Director? 12:51-13:39 - Supporting Women is not Feminism! 13:40-20:06 - Difference working with Female & Male Directors 20:07-21:38 - The Change after MeToo Movement 21:39-23:20 - The Disparity in the Technical Department23:21-24:54 - Less Female Representation in Writing? 24:55-28:23 - Does Female Centric work sell?28:24-30:44 - The Perspective Of Commercial Theatre 30:45-33:55 - An Advent of Female Driven Content in Theatre? 33:56-38:40 - The Women that Inspired you in Theatre38:41-40:17 - Dreams Projects 40:18-43:11 - Projects that you Regretted43:12-45:17 - Recent Plays Recommendation45:18-45:35 - Episode Outro Watch the episode now!📱 Listen on other platforms:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32Mt...Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a3e5...🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!
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  Exclusive Audio Cut: Feminism In Theatre | Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole and Manasi Parekh 19.04.2025 1h 46min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana - Season 2, we celebrate the fierce, fearless, and fabulous women of Indian theatre — Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole, and Manasi Parekh.With decades of experience on stage and screen, these powerhouse performers and storytellers take us behind the curtain to explore the craft, chaos, and courage it takes to thrive in the performing arts.What does it mean to hold space as a woman in this industry? What are the disparities they face? How is it to be a Women Director in the Theatre Circle? And many more such questions!Expect honest reflections, humorous anecdotes, and a whole lot of wisdom as they share the joys and heartbreaks of a life in storytelling.Whether you're a theatre buff, an aspiring actor, or just curious about the magic behind the scenes this conversation is rich with insight, inspiration, and sisterhood.
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  Theatre to Films | Ft. Sheeba Chaddha, Neil Bhoopalam, and Shweta Tripathi 05.04.2025 1h 13min

  In this episode of Unscripted, we explore the art of storytelling and the creative journey behind the scenes with three dynamic voices from the world of Indian cinema and theatre — Sheeba Chaddha, Neil Bhoopalam, and Shweta Tripathi.From navigating the transition between stage and screen to crafting authentic performances, this episode dives into questions like: What does it take to truly embody a character? How do actors and storytellers find meaning in their roles? What are the highs and lows of life in the performing arts?Our guests open up about their personal journeys, creative struggles, and the philosophies that shape their work across film and theatre.Whether you're an aspiring actor, a theatre enthusiast, or just love compelling stories — this conversation is filled with inspiration, insight, and heart.00:00-01:08 - Episode Introduction1:09-2:25 - Guest Introduction 2:26-17:42 - Passion and Profession 17:43-26:30 - Character work on Camera tougher?26:31-29:00 -9 years to Mirzapur S1?29:01-38:25 - Do you take anything from one to another sphere? 38:26- 45:08 - Offseason for theatre?45:09-48:47 - Shweta’s Journey in Theatre 48:48-55:15 -  Importance of Formal Training 55:16-56:52 -  Keep Learning Always 56:53-59:07 - The Magic of Control over Audience 59:08-1:01:07 - Wish your kids take after you?1:01:08-1:05:23 - Most challenging Roles 1:05:24-1:06:44 - Dream Projects 1:06:45-1:09:36 - Recent play that you loved 1:09:37-1:12:365 - Projects you Regret1:12:36-1:13:12 - Outro
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  Exclusive Audio Cut: Transcending from Stage to Screen. Ft Shweta Tripathi, Sheeba Chaddha & Neil Bhoopalam 05.04.2025 1h 15min

  In this episode of Unscripted, we explore the art of storytelling and the creative journey behind the scenes with three dynamic voices from the world of Indian cinema and theatre — Sheebha Chadha, Neil Bopanna, and Shweta Tripathi.From navigating the transition between stage and screen to crafting authentic performances, this episode dives into questions like: What does it take to truly embody a character? How do actors and storytellers find meaning in their roles? What are the highs and lows of life in the performing arts?Our guests open up about their personal journeys, creative struggles, and the philosophies that shape their work across film and theatre.Whether you're an aspiring actor, a theatre enthusiast, or just love compelling stories — this conversation is filled with inspiration, insight, and heart.To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!https://www.instagram.com/aadyam.official/?hl=en
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  Exclusive Audio Cut: The Craft of Writing! Ft. Abhishek Majumdar, Irawati Karnik, and Siddharth Kumar. 24.03.2025 1h 21min

  In this episode of Unscripted, we dive deep into the world of storytelling, scriptwriting, and the creative process with three brilliant scriptwriters from the Indian Theatre Society - Abhishek Majumdar, Irawati Karnik, and Siddharth Kumar. This episode covers questions like What does it take to write a compelling script?How do writers bring characters to life on stage?What are the struggles and triumphs of being a playwright? And our guests here have the answers just for you! They share their personal journeys, creative challenges, and writing philosophies that have helped them shape some of the most powerful stories in Indian theatre. Whether you’re an aspiring scriptwriter or simply love theatre, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Listen now to uncover the secrets of great storytelling! To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
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  Do's and Don'ts of Script writing | Ft. Irawati Karnik, Abhishek Majumdar & Siddharth Kumar 23.03.2025 1h 6min

  In this episode of Unscripted, we dive deep into the world of storytelling, scriptwriting, and the creative process with three brilliant scriptwriters from the Indian Theatre Society - Abhishek Majumdar, Irawati Karnik, and Siddharth Kumar. This episode covers questions like What does it take to write a compelling script?How do writers bring characters to life on stage?What are the struggles and triumphs of being a playwright? And our guests here have the answers just for you! They share their personal journeys, creative challenges, and writing philosophies that have helped them shape some of the most powerful stories in Indian theatre. Whether you’re an aspiring scriptwriter or simply love theatre, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Watch now to uncover the secrets of great storytelling!00:00 - 01:02 (Intro) 01:02 - 02:40 (Guest Introduction)02:40 - 10:35 (What inspired you to be Playwrights?) 10:36 - 16:19 (Writer’s Bloc and Why did it shut?) 16:20 - 21:29 (How do you decide what to write?21:30 - 22:32 (Story behind Chappa Katta) 22:33 - 25:53( Theatre becoming a Thesis)25:54 - 31:24 (Constraints of Practically Writing a play) 31:25 - 35:37 (Controversies and Its Impact on your work)35:38 - 36:10 (Language of the Newspaper) 36:11 - 37:10 (The Djinns of Eidgah and Pulwama Attack) 37:11 - 40:00 (Compulsion to make plays entertaining?) 40:01 - 43:14 (How does a play lose relevance?)43:15 - 47:08 (Modifying previous works) 47:09 - 51:49 (Is there a lack of original writing?) 51:50 - 53:01 (Programs for young writers)53:02 - 55:11 (Good Theatre and Bad Theatre Scene) 55:12 - 58:52 (Slow Burn) 58:53 - 1:02:39 (Advice for Writers) 1:02:40 -1:06:16 (Your Own Favourite Piece of Writing) 1:06:17 - 1:06:35 (Outro)🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!
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  Exclusive Audio Cut - Can Acting be Learnt? Ft. Atul Kumar, Nimmy Raphel & Vinay Kumar 08.03.2025 1h 31min

  This episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana covers some very interesting aspects of the teaching methodology of theatre in India. Our esteemed guests and forerunners of Adishakti Vinay Kumar and Nimmy Raphel along with the visionary director Atul Kumar talk of the various approaches that might help budding thespians. This episode can act as a guide to learning theatre, while the main question that was posed to them was “Can acting be learned?” The conversation covers all aspects, ranging from personal anecdotes to research, methodology and the teachings of Veenapani Chawla. A beautiful, insightful conversation opens up multiple perspectives toward the depths of theatre as a discipline, medium of expression and an art form! Listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
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  How to Become a Performer ft. Vinay Kumar, Nimmy Raphel & Atul Kumar 08.03.2025 59min

  This episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana covers some very interesting aspects of the teaching methodology of theatre in India. Our esteemed guests and forerunners of Adishakti Vinay Kumar and Nimmy Raphel along with the visionary director Atul Kumar talk of the various approaches that might help budding thespians. This episode can act as a guide to learning theatre, while the main question that was posed to them was “Can acting be learned?”. The conversation covers all aspects, ranging from personal anecdotes to research, methodology and the teachings of Veenapani Chawla. A beautiful, insightful conversation opens up multiple perspectives toward the depths of theatre as a discipline, medium of expression and an art form! Watch the episode to know more!
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  Exclusive Audio Cut- Politics x Theatre | Ft. Sunil Shanbag & Geetanjali Kulkarni 23.02.2025 37min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we dive deep into the interaction and relationship of theatre and politics. Our guests, renowned director Sunil Shanbag and well known actor Gitanjali Kulkarni throw light on aspects that develop a deeper understanding of how politics truly affects and influences theatre. From their own plays to their residencies and goodwill projects like Goshtarang and Quest, theatre has been a big part of their lives and made a change in some form. To get an exclusive cut of the conversation, listen to the episode now!Produced by MnM Talkies.
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  Theatre for Change: The Voice of the Nation | Ft. Sunil Shanbag & Geetanjali Kulkarni 22.02.2025 55min

  In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we dive deep into the interaction and relationship of theatre and politics. Our guests, renowned director Sunil Shanbag and well known actor Gitanjali Kulkarni throw light on aspects that develop a deeper understanding of how politics truly affects and influences theatre. From their own plays to their residencies and goodwill projects like Goshtarang and Quest, theatre has been a big part of their lives and made a change in some form. To know more, watch the entire episode now!Produced by MnM Talkies00.00-00.35- Intro.00.35- 01.49- Cold Open.1.50-2:45 -Intro to ep and Guest intro.2:46- 07:07- Beginning of their theatre journey! 07:08- 08:32- Gitanjali's journey to NSD. 08:33- 09:15 - Process of getting into NSD.09:16- 10:50 - The importance of formal training. 10:51- 14:51 - Key Productions and influence. 14:52- 19:21- QUEST and Goshtarang.19:22- 22:32 - Stories from Cotton 56, Polyester 84. 22:33- 24:44 - Theatre of Roots and the danger of appropriation 24:45- 26:12 - Gitanjali as a producer. 26:13- 26:51 - The importance of working in a theatre production. 26:52- 30:51 - Sex, Morality and Censorship! 30:52- 32:45 - Sunil's struggles with Censorship 32:46-33:43 - Self censorship 33:44- 37:48- The importance of theatre that questions. 37:49- 40:28- Safdar Hashmi. 40:29- 41:44- Sunil's acting career. 41:45- 44:58 - Audience interaction. 44:59- 55:41 - Slow Burn! 55:42- 56:15- End.
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  The Art of Making People Laugh | Ft. Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee & Varun Thakur 13.02.2025 49min

  In the first episode of season 2 of the Aadyam Podcast, Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana we cover all things funny! The conversation, led by our host and blessed by our guests Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee and Varun Thakur ranges from standup specials to theatrical performances. We dive deep into the art of comedy, the process of building jokes, dealing with self-censorship, the struggles of getting non comic work for typically comic actors and much, much more! To know more, watch the entire episode now!Chapters:00:00-01:56: Introduction.01:57- 3:13: Episode and Guest Introduction.03:11- 11:56: The state of comedy in our nation today and taking offence!12:00- 14:36: Self-censorship in theatre and the dichotomy of comedy right now.14:39- 18:47: The process of building a joke.18:47- 22:50: The lifespan of a set.22:50- 26:33: The process of preparing for comic v/s non comic roles.26:35- 31:30: Vicky Malhotra!31:30- 32:10: Theatricality in standup.32:14- 36:02: How difficult is it to be taken seriously as a comic actor?36:03- 41:05 :The hustle and struggles of auditioning.41:07- 42:01 : Lola Kutty!48:44- 51: 36: Slow Burn.
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  Exclusive Audio Cut - The Art of Making People Laugh! | Ft. Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee and Varun Thakur 13.02.2025 37min

  In the first episode of season 2 of the Aadyam Podcast, Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana we cover all things funny! The conversation, led by our host and blessed by our guests Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee and Varun Thakur ranges from standup specials to theatrical performances.We dive deep into the art of comedy, the process of building jokes, dealing with self-censorship, the struggles of getting non comic work for typically comic actors and much, much more! To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!Produced by MnM Talkies