The stage is grand, but the real magic happens backstage, frantic costume changes, nervous rehearsals and quiet reflection. Captured by PANKAJ KUMAR, these moments reveal the unseen world behind the performance, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
The stage is grand, the performances flawless and the audience sits in admiration. But what they don’t see is the madness that happens backstage, the real drama before the show even begins. Behind the powerful storytelling of ‘Hamare Ram,’ a play led by veteran actor Ashutosh Rana and produced by Rohit Buchaar, the green room is a world of its own.
This play is a mythological retelling; it is an experience that blends history, devotion and artistic excellence. With a gripping narrative and commanding performances, ‘Hamare Ram,’ takes the audience through an emotional and thought-provoking journey. But before those moments unfold on stage, the backstage is buzzing with last-minute fxxes, hurried costume changes, and a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Mirrors line the walls, reflecting actors in various stages of transformation. One sits still as a thick beard is carefully glued on, another struggles to tie their costume while mumbling lines under their breath.
A bowl of Alta sits open, its deep red staining fingers as someone paints designs on hands and feet. There’s always something missing, “Where is my other shoe?” “Who took my waistband?” “Where is the safety pin?”and the frantic search begins.
Sitting in the makeup chair for hours, actors go from familiar faces to mythical beings. Some joke around to ease the tension, others close their eyes, lost in thought. Someone groans about an itchy wig, while another bursts into laughter as a friend teases them about looking completely unrecognisable. The green room is a mix of excitement and exhaustion, frustration and fun.
And then, it’s time. One moment, an actor is on stage delivering lines with all the grace and power of their character. The next, they are running back to the green room, pulling off heavy costumes, breathless from the performance. There’s no time to rest. A two-minute scene means a frantic 30-second costume change. Sarees are draped, crowns are fixed, shoes are switched. “Hold still!” someone shouts while pinning a dupatta. “I am holding still!” comes the exasperated reply.
In all this chaos, there are tiny, almost poetic moments, a deep breath in front of the mirror, a last-minute smudge of colour on the forehead, a friend helping adjust an earring seconds before someone runs back on stage. And in between, there’s always teasing, laughter, and the occasional outburst when something goes missing at the worst possible moment.
Then comes the final moment. Costumes are in place, makeup is done, and everyone takes one last look in the mirror. A quick prayer, a deep breath, and they step out. The green room falls silent as the stage lights up.
The audience sees the grand spectacle, the perfect performances, the dazzling costumes, the flawless execution. But behind it all, there was a whirlwind of fun, stress, last-minute fixes, and unstoppable energy. And as one scene ends, the madness in the green room starts all over again.
