Check out the list of some renowned actors who are simultaneously active in both Bollywood cinema and theatre.
It is known to all that Bollywood has a strong connection with theatre. While several elements of Bollywood cinema have been derived from theatre, this industry is also home to a number of actors who started their journey with the stage. Long before coming into Bollywood, they had worked in many plays and shaped their acting skills. Although most of those actors quit theatre after achieving fame from cinema, there are some who are still equally active in theatre.
Naseeruddin Shah is an actor who is incredible on both screen and stage. In partnership with Tom Alter and Benjamin Gilani, he formed the theatre group Motley Productions in 1977. He has performed in some brilliant plays including 'Waiting for Godot', 'Einstein', 'Dear Liar' etc.
While Shukla is mostly known for appearing in Bollywood movies like 'Satya', 'Barfi!', 'Jolly LLB' etc., he has always been more active on stage. His best works in theatre are 'A View from The Bridge', 'Two to Tango Three to Jive' etc.
A truly versatile actor, Paresh Rawal believes that films can never replace the joy and satisfaction one can get from theatre. 'Dear Father' and 'Krishna Vs Kanhaiya' are some of his most popular plays. Also, he is currently the chairperson of National School of Drama.
Shabana Azmi is truly an actress par excellence who is a treat to watch on both screen and stage. She has performed in some acclaimed plays such as 'Tumhari Amrita', 'Safed Kundali' etc.
One of Bollywood's most effortless actors, Vinay Pathak quit his business school in New York to learn acting at Drama school. His most notable plays include 'Nothing Like Lear', 'Maximum' etc.
Being a multi-faceted talent, Rajat Kapoor excels in several fields of films and theatre. Although he is a magnificent actor, Kapoor is more into direction than acting in theatre. His best plays are 'Macbeth', 'I Don't Like It as You Like It' etc.
Daughter of the famous Gujarati theatre artist Dina Pathak, Ratna Pathak Shah's contribution to Indian theatre is truly unmatchable. She frequently works with her husband Naseeruddin Shah and has performed in several amazing plays including 'The Lesson', 'Dear Liar' etc.
Jim Sarbh is a good looking and immensely talented actor who has stunned the entire world with his nuanced acting in movies like 'Neerja' and 'Padmavaat'. But he is more prominent on stage and has delivered some brilliant performances in plays like 'What's Done is Done', 'Living Room', 'The Merchant of Venice' etc.
The list also includes Adil Hussain, Kalki Koechlin, Boman Irani, Makrand Deshpande, Deepak Dobriyal, Neeraj Kabi, Ashish Vidyarthi, Sharman Joshi etc.
