Priyamvada Kant Shares Her Journey of Working with Theatre Legend Ila Arun in New Teleplay
Television actress Priyamvada Kant, known for her roles in popular shows like Naagin 5, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Woh Toh Hai Albela, has expanded her horizons beyond the small screen. The actress, who has been making waves in the theatre circuit as well, is currently in the spotlight for her latest teleplay Chaash Karti Parchaiyaan. In a candid conversation, Priyamvada opened up about her experience working with the iconic Ila Arun, the changing dynamics of theatre in the digital age, and the ongoing struggles faced by women.
On Working with Ila Arun: A Childhood Fan’s Dream Come True
For Priyamvada, working with Ila Arun has been nothing short of a dream come true. Recalling her childhood memories, she shared how she had always been a fan of Ila Arun’s iconic songs. “I’ve been listening to Ila Ma’am’s songs since I was a child. One of my favorites was her song Dilli Sheher Ma Maaro Ghaghra Jo Ghumyo. I used to run around wearing a ghaghra whenever that song played,” she reminisced.
Working with Ila Arun on the teleplay was an enriching experience for Priyamvada. She admired not only Ila’s immense talent as an actor but also her vibrant personality. “She is an incredible person with a wealth of experience and countless stories. Being on stage with her was truly a learning experience,” said Priyamvada, expressing her admiration.
No Generation Gap Among Actors
Despite belonging to different generations, Priyamvada revealed that there was no sense of a generation gap between her and Ila Arun. “One thing I’ve noticed about actors is that there’s no such thing as a generation gap among them. They always adapt to changing times and trends,” Priyamvada explained.
Interestingly, Priyamvada shared that Ila Arun is even more active on Instagram than she is. “We used to talk a lot about Instagram and the latest trends during rehearsals. She would often comment on my holiday posts, complimenting my outfits,” she said with a smile, adding that their discussions often created a festive atmosphere on set.
The Evolution of Theatre: Can Teleplays Preserve the Essence?
As technology continues to evolve, many traditional art forms are finding new ways to reach audiences. Theatre, with its rich history of live performances, has also embraced the digital age through teleplays. Priyamvada expressed her views on this transformation, comparing the experience of watching a live performance to seeing a recording.
“It’s like comparing plastic flowers to real ones. You won’t get the same fragrance, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful in its own way,” Priyamvada said. She further elaborated that teleplays, which bring theatre to television, serve as an introduction to the art form for many people who may not have otherwise experienced it.
“If someone watches a teleplay on TV and enjoys it, they may feel curious and want to experience a live performance in the theatre. In that sense, teleplays can help increase the audience for theatre,” Priyamvada observed.
Fond Memories of Growing Up in Delhi
While Priyamvada was born in Kolkata, her childhood and education took place in Delhi, a city that holds a special place in her heart. She fondly recalled her days at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and her experiences learning Odissi and music at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya.
“Delhi is where I grew up and learned so much. My house was always filled with art, music, and culture, thanks to my parents, who are both artists. It’s a city full of memories for me,” she shared. Priyamvada also couldn’t resist mentioning her love for Delhi’s food, which she described as “unmatched.”
Modern Women and Their Struggles: An Ongoing Battle
While much has changed for women in modern times, Priyamvada believes that new challenges have emerged alongside the old ones. “We often talk about the struggles women have faced since ancient times, but modern women have their own set of problems too,” she said.
Priyamvada emphasized that the number of modern, independent women in today’s society is still relatively low. “There are still so many women who don’t have the resources or platforms to voice their concerns. While I have the privilege of being able to speak up for myself, there are many who can’t. It’s their struggles that need more attention,” she urged.
A Modern Girl vs. Traditional Values: The Story of Chaash Karti Parchaiyaan
Priyamvada’s latest teleplay Chaash Karti Parchaiyaan addresses many of these issues. Written by Ila Arun and directed by KK Raina, the play explores the tension between old-age traditions and modern-day values. Priyamvada plays the character of Reena, a practical and modern girl who refuses to conform to outdated customs.
In contrast, Ila Arun’s character is that of a woman who is deeply rooted in traditional values. “It’s about how women have been told for generations that they need to behave in certain ways, serve their husbands in specific ways, and live their lives according to old customs,” Priyamvada explained.
Despite these differences, Priyamvada’s character represents a new generation of women who are determined to break free from these constraints. “Reena doesn’t believe in following old-fashioned practices. She’s practical and independent, and she challenges the traditions that don’t make sense to her,” she said.
Teleplays: A New Way to Experience Theatre
With the rise of digital platforms, teleplays have become a popular way to bring theatre to a wider audience. Priyamvada believes that this shift to digital is a positive development for theatre. “Theatre has gone digital, and it’s a wonderful thing. Many people who can’t make it to a live performance can now enjoy the experience from their own homes,” she said.
Chaash Karti Parchaiyaan was shot in one go, just like a live performance, to capture the essence of a true theatre experience. “We’ve done many housefull shows of this play, and now with the teleplay, even more people can watch it,” Priyamvada said, expressing her excitement about the project.
For Priyamvada Kant, working in theatre has been a rewarding journey, and she hopes that more people will come to appreciate the art form through teleplays like Chaash Karti Parchaiyaan. As she continues to explore new opportunities in both television and theatre, Priyamvada remains passionate about telling stories that resonate with audiences across generations.
