Theatre is really fulfilling, says Manasi Parekh Goel

Actor Manasi Parakh Gohil is much excited about performing at the upcoming Globe To Globe Festival in London this month.

Directed by renowned theatre director Sunil Shanbag, the play Maro Piyu Gayo Rangoon (presented as Sau Saaru Jenu Chevat Saru at the fest) marks the director’s first stint in Gujarati theatre, and is a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well.

So how does it feel like to perform at the prestigious festival? “I think it is a brilliant show. Sunil Shanbag is a maverick and I always wanted to work with him,” says an excited Manasi, adding, “So when I got a chance to actually be a part of his first Gujarati play, I immediately jumped on it.”

The play has already proved to be a big hit in the home turf as it’s been running housefull since the last few weeks. “We are leaving for London next week and there’s a lot to look forward to,” she says.

The actor admits that though she is totally enjoying doing theatre, TV remains her first love. “For me, after doing television, taking to stage as a singer, performer, is  a wholesome experience. In fact, Sunil had contacted me only after he saw me on TV. So it’s television, which has made me what I am and given me all the opportunities that have come my way,” Mansi reveals.

“I have done theatre before. I was a part of this play called A brief Candle, which was written by Mahesh Dattani. This is my second play,” she continues. “Theatre, I feel, helps you get your grounding. And of course, nothing compares to the high of performing live to a big audience. Certainly, TV is a priority, but as an actor, theatre is so fullfilling even though it doesn’t pay a lot.”

She says that a live performance is always very challenging compared to a TV show as one needs to be polished in his/her acting skills. Though Manasi has a lot of theatre offers pouring in, she believes in doing one thing at a time and focussing on her TV ventures next. “I do one thing at a time. After completing this show, I shall get back to doing TV shows. I respect TV, it has a tremendous reach. It can make you  a household name.”

Manasi plays the role of Helena in the play — a woman who’s in love with a man who refuses to reciprocate her feelings. “She’s a go-getter and she gets the man to marry her but then there are conditions put forth by this guy. It’s about how she deals with these situations that make her appealing. She’s manipulative and conniving. I wish I were more like her,” she jokes.