Vivaan Shah on Gulli Danda: Working with Seema Pahwa on a Premchand story is a dream come true

The young actor features in the Koi Baat Chale anthology

Vivaan Shah

Being born to two iconic artistes -- Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah -- young actor Vivaan Shah always had an inclination towards theatre and performing arts, along with literature. The actor is quite excited about his upcoming project -- the teleplay Gulli Danda by Munshi Premchand. He recently opened up about the new format of storytelling and the influence his parents have on him.

Gulli Danda is part of Zee Theatre's anthology Koi Baat Chale, which is directed by Seema Pahwa, and is based on Premchand's story.

Talking about his interest in literature, taking the reference of his father Naseeruddin Shah, Vivaan said, "Because of my parents, I have grown up around the very best of subcontinental literature penned by Ismat Chughtai, Manto and many others. Premchand happens to be a personal favourite."

He added that the new project is very special for him. "I could not have missed the chance to be a part of Gulli Danda, because it is a dream-come-true to be directed by Seema Pahwa ji," said Vivaan.

The actor found the format of dramatic readings an interest concept, because he felt that as an actor, he got the chance to immerse himself into the character without too many props, keeping intact the purity and beauty of the prose.

Recalling his father's teachings, Vivaan said, "As an actor, you have to bring to life the nuances of the written word, and I have learned from my parents and from Seema ji that the best way to sharpen your skills as an actor is to communicate the essence of a short story."

Gulli Danda is based on the friendship between two people from different socio-economic strata and how their journey goes beyond those barriers.

"In a very simple way, Premchand depicts how humanity and empathy define us and not our status," said the actor, who also hopes that the play will offer an insight that will interest the audience to explore the rich culture and literature of India.

He mentioned, "I hope that through Koi Baat Chale, more and more people will connect with the colorful and varied legacy of Indian literature and go on a journey to discover its richness."

Gulli Danda will be aired on Tata Play Theatre and Tata Play App on January 29.

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