Shreyas Talpade’s first role was that of Sita for a school play. The next year he played Draupadi in the school version of the Mahabharata. This was, perhaps, the first sign of how versatile actor he would be in later years. From school dramas, street plays to monologues and mimes — Shreyas wanted to learn and be a part of everything.
“From 1990 till 2005, I did nearly 2,500 shows in various languanges and of different productions. My love for the stage was such that I didn’t want to miss a single chance to be under the arc lights. Whatever I am today is because of theatre. It grooms you and betters your craft like no other medium. Whatever little appreciation I get in my films today is all because of it,” reminisces Talpade.
The actor switched from theatre to television, and later films. But in the midst of all his other work commitments, he was inspired to return to the stage with Zee Theatre’s teleplay Typecaste. “I love the format of a teleplay and that's the reason why I said yes to it. I think teleplay is a great experiment where we get rid of the proverbial fourth wall. It’s almost like shooting for a film in an enclosed studio. These formats are challenging but they need to be explored a lot more,” says he.
Typecaste is an adaptation of a Marathi play called Pahije Jatiche by the famous playwright Vijay Tendulkar. The play is set in the 70s when the caste system was not just prevalent but rigidly enforced in India. However, it shows how the context of the story is relevant even today. Shreyas plays the role of Mahipat Babruvahan, who becomes the first from his caste and village to complete his master’s degree. Mahipat has a dream of becoming a professor and the play showcases all he does to achieve his dream including how he manages his love interest.
“The script is layered, entertaining and has a strong social message. I have always believed you can say a lot with humour,” says Shreyas.
The teleplay is available on Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV Spotlight. It also stars Atul Mathur, Aaditi Pohankar and Utkarsh Mazumdar.
