Rakesh Bedi has been one of IPTA Mumbai's prominent actors on stage. But now the veteran actor is going to be seen in BAAT BAAT MEIN BIGDEY HAALAT, a Hindi comedy by Fullhouse Productions. Bedi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has several films and TV serials to his credit, well-known amongst them being the film Chashme Buddoor (1981) and TV serials Shrimaan Shrimati and Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi.
Deepa Punjani
What made you decide to act in BAAT BAAT MEIN BIDEY HAALAT? I haven't done this kind of a comedy in a long time. I have been mainly doing satires or socially relevant plays which have their share of humour. But this play is comedy of errors, misunderstanding and mishaps.
Did you enjoy rehearsing for the play? I enjoyed rehearsing for the play a lot as I was working with a new set of actors and it is always demanding to work in new environment.
What's the best part about the character you play? My character is quite funny and well defined. I have tried to make it funnier by adding some more 'masala' to it. hope it works out well. The best part I like about Harry Singh, the character I play is that he runs a hotel but mistakes all the women coming to the hotel as his college girl friends.
You have had long experience as an actor on the screen as well as on the stage. How would you describe it? I have really enjoyed my journey as an actor. Theatre demands a lot of discipline and commitment. The feeling TO BE OR NOT TO BE is always there in theatre before every show and that is what keeps you on the edge of excitement.
What is the most memorable role you have played to date? All my plays with IPTA have been wonderful, especially when I have performed at Prithvi Theatre. MASSAGE written by Vijay Tendulkar, and SHATRANJ KE MOHRE occupy a special place in my heart.
What do you think of the contemporary Hindi Theatre that we have in Mumbai? Theatre is the mirror image of the society and as long as man is socially bound, theatre will thrive with its ups and downs.
A character that you are still waiting to play... I don't think of best characters to come my way as I believe that the best character is always the one I am playing.