Chittaranjan Tripathy, director of the National School of Drama (NSD), recently spoke about his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and called him a “natakwala” first and a superstar second. Tripathy sees Khan’s rise from “an ordinary person from an ordinary family” to a global icon as something that resonates with him personally.
Chittaranjan Tripathy Says Shah Rukh Khan Is ‘Natakwala’ Before Superstar
In an interview with PTI, Tripathy explained how Khan’s theatre experience helped shape the actor he is today.
“Shah Rukh Khan has done a lot of theatre with Barry John. I consider him a theatre person… I consider him a natakwala first, he is a superstar later,” Tripathy said. He expressed pride in seeing a theatre artist achieve such success in Bollywood.
The NSD director also feels a personal connection to Khan’s journey, noting their similar humble beginnings. “I think that an ordinary person from an ordinary family rose to extraordinary heights, I see myself in that. I am like, ‘wow’, this is me even though I am not that. It is his money, but because he is a theatre person, I feel like this is me,” Tripathy shared.
Tripathy views Khan’s rise as an inspiration, showing how believing in oneself can lead to extraordinary achievements. Despite his global fame, Khan has always stayed connected to his theatre roots.
NSD Director Calls Him A Brilliant Actor
Before becoming the NSD director in October 2023, Tripathy had an extensive career in theatre, TV, and film. His notable work includes productions like Samudra Manthan, Gannu Bhai, and Taj Mahal Ka Tender, along with roles in films such as Talvar, Zubaan, and Mukkabaaz. Tripathy has also been part of web series like Rasbhari, Raktanchal, Farzi, and MOM.
Tripathy praised Khan for his distinctive style, saying, “I am calling him brilliant because of the style that he has embodied. Many big actors, even those in Hollywood, carry a certain style. And the style that he discovered for himself was new, unique and independent in itself. Crores of people have accepted it, now who am I to certify it?”
He also recognised Khan’s courage and belief in himself as crucial to his success. “Plus the kind of guts he has shown is commendable. When an ordinary person, coming from an ordinary family, stands out in a maze like this, then you have to have belief in yourself. This strong belief of Shah Rukh Khan in himself is what makes him a brilliant actor,” Tripathy added.
For the unversed, NSD is set to host the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s major theatre festival, starting January 28. The festival will feature over 200 performances across 10 cities in India, along with international productions from Colombo and Kathmandu, celebrating global theatre talent.
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