Clearly Passion Over Pay or Fame: Rajat Kapoor on Why Actors Choose Theatre
By Manik Gupta

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor believes that the true essence of theatre lies in passion, not in the pursuit of money or fame. As he prepares for the Delhi premiere of his play “Karamjale Brothers”, Kapoor has lauded the unwavering commitment of theatre artists who continue to dedicate themselves to the stage despite its challenges.

Speaking ahead of the sixth edition of the Delhi Theatre Festival (DTF), where his latest work will be showcased at the OP Jindal Auditorium on Saturday, Kapoor shared heartfelt insights into what fuels his love for theatre.

“It’s very hard work, as opposed to acting in films. So, why are you doing it? It’s not for money, not for fame. It’s really for the love of the craft, or for the thrill of being on stage for those 90 minutes. There’s a certain purity to that profession,” Kapoor said.

“Karamjale Brothers,” a Hindi adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s final novel The Brothers Karamazov, reflects Kapoor’s long-standing fascination with blending literature, philosophy, and performance. Known for his distinct storytelling and nuanced direction, the filmmaker-actor has consistently brought depth and experimentation to Indian theatre.

Kapoor, who has been a prominent figure in India’s parallel cinema movement, added that theatre continues to be a grounding experience for him. “The stage demands honesty. There are no retakes, no filters. That’s what makes it beautiful and terrifying at the same time,” he noted.

The Delhi Theatre Festival, now in its sixth year, will bring together some of India’s most acclaimed stage productions, offering audiences a rich mix of drama, satire, and classic adaptations.

As the curtains rise this weekend, Kapoor’s “Karamjale Brothers” promises to be one of the festival’s highlights — a powerful reminder that for true artists, passion outweighs pay or popularity.