Gargee Roychowdhury embarked on her acting journey with theatre over three decades ago, and her passion for the craft has remained steadfast ever since. Even though she had to step away from the stage for extended periods, wary of becoming a “two-timer” (as she humorously puts it), she acknowledges that both the stage and screen have shaped her into the actress she is today, each offering unique lessons along her path. While she may not have consistently performed on stage since her transition to screen acting, Gargee has periodically made returns to the theatrical world and has enjoyed attending various plays incognito over the years. In a chat with t2, she reflects on her roots as an actor that have inspired her new endeavour, Theatre Plus, and its inaugural production centred on the erstwhile renowned theatre actress Tara Sundari.
Congratulations! Theatre Plus marks a new chapter in your career as an artiste. What is it all about?
Thank you. There comes a time in every artiste’s life when stepping out of the familiar patterns and taking a little risk is necessary. It’s time for me to forge my own path. Theatre Plus is my calling to return to my roots. And to return to the roots, it’s important not to wait for others’ help but to take initiative. That’s exactly what I am doing. I had to prepare for it financially and mentally. And once I realised that I could afford to assemble a talented team — one that could deliver tenfold of what they charge for their expertise — I jumped in. My aim is to create work that resonates with the masses.
As our first production under the banner of Theatre Plus, we are doing Tara Sundari’s biopic. I want to use this platform for budding talents from various streams related to stage craft. Next year, I may not act, maybe I will direct. I want to take our productions to the national and international audience of theatre. I don’t think language will ever be a barrier. Whatever I have learnt, I want to pass it on, and under the banner of Theatre Plus, I want to see various talents bloom. I hope for people to remember me for my work and this is an attempt on that path. Those who want to make a profession out of acting and do it in all seriousness, I am trying to build a platform for them. This positivity is also the source of my strength for living life the way I do — spiritedly, innovatively and vibrantly. (Laughs)
Every time you make a comeback to the theatre, you have thought of exploring this craft on a grand scale…
That’s true! I want to take my production to the masses and want my audience to engage with it. The script has been written in that manner, the dialogues will appeal to the masses. I feel empowered now, more than ever, to take this up on a grand scale. Some of our shows are already slated… and the stage always makes me feel very confident. The blend of my knowledge, education, skills, and personality brings something different to the table — something that will set my performance apart from others, and I have always been very sure of that. This will not just be about acting for me; it’ll be a reflection of my inner self. Stage has always been my sanctuary.
We’re planning eye-catching hoardings, ensuring everything is grounded in commercial viability. Bratya Basu is overseeing the project’s concept, edit and as an advisor, Ujjwal Chattopadhyay is penning the script and directing. Prabuddha Bandyopadhyay is on board for the music, while Soumik and Piyali are taking care of the set design. Abhishek Roy is designing my costumes, and since this is a monodrama, our small team can efficiently travel from India to international venues. Ambarish Das is managing the set design and Anidya Nandy is handling the sound. The entire team is robust and ready. The production of Tara Sundari is my hard-earned reward for dedicating myself to my craft for years. Even if we conduct just 10 or 12 shows, I am confident they will be sold out. That’s how we’ve planned it. The few friends that I have earned in all these years are also standing steadfast by my side in this. Awards definitely bring tears to my eyes but more than that, when people say ‘Go ahead Gargee, we are by your side’, it definitely makes me cry.
Why Tara Sundari?
While I was contemplating Theatre Plus, my family friend Bratya Basu, who has been instrumental in my previous work too, suggested Tara Sundari to me. There is not much information available on her, but I got to know a lot about her by reading one of Bratya’s books. Among the characters I’ve explored — Tara Sundari, Nati Binodini, Prabhadevi, and Tinkari Dasi — Tara Sundari always stood out for me. Unlike Nati Binodini, who has been embraced by many on stage, Tara Sundari is often seen an untapped gem.
Her vibrancy is captivating; she was a true icon of her era. She was known as the sex symbol of her time. Though few images remain of her, her ability to shine in both tragedy and comedy was rare. This versatility always drew me in. People will be amazed to discover someone like her existed so far back in history. Back then, she faced humiliation from the man she lived with and took him to court; she welcomed a child without marrying a man — a truly ahead-of-its-time situation. Even today, situations like these persist... she talks about her loneliness and her craft that is born out of it. An artiste is mostly born out of loneliness and pain…it is reflected in the work often… not only did I relate to her as an artiste, but many women will relate to her in many ways. We will stage the first and second shows at G.D. Birla Sabhaghar on November 1 and 2.
Location: Hyatt Centric, Ballygunge