Indians don’t have a sense of humour: Actor Vivaan Shah

Actor Vivaan Shah, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s son, who was last seen in filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj’s 7 Khoon Maaf is ready with his new play, Akvarious production’s Jumpstart. The actor, who has always been inclined towards theatre, says it was something he grew up with.

“Besides the fact that I grew up in a house where theatre was an intrinsic part, (his father started the Motley theatre group) theatre also appeals to an intellectual side of me. I read a lot and I generally like to keep myself aware of what is happening around the world. Theatre today touches upon issues and portrays them in more real light”, says Vivaan.

Talking about his role in the new play, he says it is about three individuals who want to commit suicide for different reasons. “It is about a failed television actor, a rebellious teenager and a man with self esteem issues and how all three of them come together and what follows. This play is extremely intelligent, socially relevant and comic at the same time. We don’t see too many plays like these in the Indian scene too often.” In the same breath, he continues, “Indians don’t have a sense of humour. Our comedies are quite dated. We don’t like to laugh at ourselves. This play, on the other hand, is unapologetic and the comedy is relatable, in your face and at times, offensive, but it will be like a revelation.”

He may have done only one film till date, but Vivaan already has big plans for himself. “There are a couple of things coming up and the circle has just begun. It is underway, but nothing has materialised as yet. Hopefully it will be, by mid-next year.” Ask him if he’s ready to do commercials, run-of-the mill song and dance routines and he nods in agreement. “Of course. It is not a question of if I want to. I will have to.  You can’t rebel all the time. You have to conform sometimes and do what is required of you. I can’t change the system. It is not easy being an actor. It requires phenomenal talent and my journey has just begun.”