A city-based theatre group staged Gargo the controversial avant-garde play about a sexually uninhibited woman on March 21-22. Shree Lahiri spoke to Radhika Apte, the leading lady, about the story, her character and career
A city-based theatre group staged Gargo the controversial avant-garde play about a sexually uninhibited woman on March 21-22. Shree Lahiri spoke to Radhika Apte, the leading lady, about the story, her character and career
How did acting happening to you?
I used to act in inter-collegiate plays while I was in college. Then I came across Mohit Takalkar's group and did a play titled Brain Surgeon. And now I am with Aasakta and I'm completely involved in the work done by the troupe.
Exceptional: Radhika Apte, who plays the controversial, lead role in Garbo
How different is Garbo as compared to the work that you have done earlier?
Garbo is a classic and has been written 40-years ago. It's quite unconventional and is very much text based.
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The character that you are playing is quite offbeat. So, how was your experience playing Garbo?
The character of Garbo is that of a 35-year-old woman. And as I'm just in my 20's it wasn't easy for me to relate to the role of a matured woman. However, I tried my best and delved into my past experiences to provide substance to the character.
You comment on the characterisation of Garbo?
At the core, the Garbo is sensible and is a fine actress. She reads a lot and is aware of what's happening around. But as she doesn't get good opportunities, she does B-grade films. She even sleeps around, but she is not a prostitute.
The theme of the play is quite bold with sexual overtones.
Yes, the language used in the play is very crude. It's something that you would even hesitate to utter. Also, the thoughts that are being portrayed are provocative and manipulative. It's difficult for people to understand and relate to it.
What is the highlight of the play?
It's when Grabo revels to her partners that she's pregnant and then the hullabaloo about whose child it is.
How did people react after they saw the play?
They were taken aback. Some people liked it while some didn't.
Apart from theatre, what else have you done?
I have acted in three Marathi films. Also, I have done a couple of Hindi films that haven't been released. I also did a Bengali film titled Antaheen, which also casts Aparana Sen, her husband Kalyan Roy, Sharmila Tagore and Rahul Bose.
All about Garbo
The story is about four bohemians including Garbo, who's a struggling and is in a sexual relationship with her three flat mates. And one afternoon, while they were drinking and play sexual games, Garbo announces that she's pregnant. That's when and the clamor about who's the father of the child begins.
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