The life of an NSD student is anything but easy. Yet, those who pass out from its gates, carry with them not just a degree, but a legacy of theatrical excellence, writes ABHI SINGHAL
When we talk about art, we also talk about artists because art and artists are inextricably linked. An artist’s life is influenced by various aspects. The crucible where an artist’s soul is forged is often their birthplace, the environment that nurtures their nascent creativity. In India, the birthplace of countless luminaries on stage and screen is the National School of Drama (NSD), but NSD is different and is so much more than an incubator of superstars. Neena Gupta, Anupam Kher, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ashutosh Rana, Irrfan Khan and more famous names have given some of the finest performances in Piku, Sacred Games, Gangs of Wasseypur, A Wednesday, The Kashmir Files, Badhaai Ho, Vadh and have left a mark on history. How does NSD do this? What is special provided by the NSD? NSD shapes raw talent into refined artistry. Everyone around might have heard that NSD is a Gateway to Indian Cinema, but behind that, there is a whole lot of rigorous process and struggle that one has to go through even after for productions and projects.
While I walked through the gates of the NSD in New Delhi, I saw actors, actors who were 25 and also those aged around 55 years. NSD carries dreams of the budding actors and breaks the barriers that learning has no age, supporting the dreams of every age. When I talked to the ones wandering inside the gates, to the ones who are not a part and dreamt so, the words carried baggage and happiness of getting into an institution that gives them an environment for their passion. Apart from the name there is so much offered once you are admitted inside this performing arts hub.
What sets NSD apart cannot to summed up to just the curriculum. The acting school has a comprehensive approach to acting, extending far beyond mere performance techniques. Sanjay Shrivastava, NSD graduate from Batch 2000, told the Pioneer that, “In this institute, study and practice are done keeping in mind both the theoretical & practical aspects of theatre. Apart from acting, intensive training is given here in design and direction. Along with acting, various aspects like craft, set design, makeup, costume design, light design, scenic design, and architecture are also put under training.”
To work in a certain way you always need an environment, a surrounding that can help you go into the character you want to be. The environment of NSD has an aura, an aura 999 (social meme language) . Each person roaming around has a character to carry or is in the character practising some dialogues or music, or adjusting their dresses pre- and post-rehearsal. The students studying in NSD define it as a mandir, while those who missed the chance define it as a lost chance of entering the mandir.
Talking to Vijay Gupta, a 55-year-old artist studying at NSD, about life, he said, “I am a late bloomer; due to life circumstances, I couldn’t join NSD earlier. But since the school has started basic and advanced training courses, each of three months duration, which are both affordable and less time-consuming, I was able to join. Modern techniques are also taught, enabling us to act more realistically.”
Festivals at NSD like Adi Rang Mahotsav and Bharat Rang Mahotsav act as big opportunities for the students, giving them a wider audience, reach and chances to earn appreciation. The coverage of these festivals by the media also helps in therecognition of the students in their professional careers. Students get a brush-up on their acting skills.
NSD enhances the skills of the students by accepting their raw self and working on the established skills to boost their confidence level and emphasising their strengths. “I was always a passionate actor, but I was lost in finding the right platform for my skills and acting. The confidence NSD gives by giving the students a platform is commendable. Whichever way we perform, we are given a platform. Platforms like Kamani Auditorium are provided by the school which is a great opportunity,” said Avinash Kumar, pusuing the advance traning course at NSD.
The artists from other theatre schools have seen a noticeable performance and maturity in the NSDians. They also believe that the way NSD helps their students with funds that are not provided by other acting schools.
Talking to Sachin Sharma, a budding actor who has performed in more than seven stage productions and participated in plays alongside NSD students in competitions, said, “NSD students have a significant advantage because they receive access to essential props, resources, and training — all under one roof with the best guidance. Once admitted, they don’t have to worry about arranging or spending extra money on costumes, makeup, and other necessities, as everything is provided by the institute. Additionally, NSD productions sell tickets solely based on their reputation, whereas in other institutes, students often have the added responsibility of selling tickets for their shows.”
NSD may not guarantee instant stardom, but it undoubtedly equips its students with the tools to forge their path. The harsh training and immersive environment of acting give NSD graduates an edge that sets them apart. Yet, as Durgesh Kumar rightly said, after stepping into the industry, everyone stands in the same line. The struggle remains the same for all, but what NSD provides is the strength to embrace it, the discipline to persevere, and the artistry to make a mark. It is not just a ticket to the silver screen — it is the foundation upon which dreams are built.
In Conversation With CHITTARANJAN TRIPATHY (Director, National School of Drama)
What does NSD offer that is different from the other theatre schools?
NSD imparts a value and a culture; it teaches about the style of life and the way of living life and does not produce only actors and directors, as it impacts on the human character, and the intellect. NSD during the actual training is an intense training process of three years.
How does NSD help students personally so that they are helped in their growth in the same line?
Personally, after graduating from fellowship programmes, we assist students periodically. For those who wish to pursue theatre in their local areas, we provide minimal financial support. We have NSD’s Repertory Company here, which has been operating for 60 years. It began with four actors when Om Shiv Puriji was a member, and today, approximately 25 people are employed. NSD’s placement is facilitated by the Repertory Company for its students. We are in the process of establishing a casting and placement cell, which will enhance our placement efforts.
Does NSD training give a cutting edge to the children in the industry, or does curriculum play an equally important role too?
Training in the curriculum encompasses theoretical, historical, economic, cultural, anthropological, and social aspects. The curriculum is designed to facilitate the practical application of these theoretical perspectives and to define the ideal outcomes of such applications.
The pass-outs from NSD play character-driven roles far better than commercial roles, and the audience loves those roles. Your thoughts on the same.
In film, there are diverse characters, and it’s all about embodying those roles effectively. NSD graduates excel at portraying various characters, and this could offer a fresh perspective. However, this requires courage from filmmakers and audiences. For instance, if anyone other than Anurag Kashyap had directed Sacred Games, Nawazuddin Siddiqui might not have been cast in the lead role. There’s a prevailing cliché that underworld figures must be muscular, tall, and so on. Anurag Kashyap recognised and tested Nawazuddin’s potential, hence his casting. Filmmakers need such visionary individuals.
In Conversation With DURGESH KUMAR (Actor, Bhushan alias Banrakas in Panchayat)
How did NSD give you a platform in your career?
NSD is a one of the biggest insititues of the world at present time and the government does not spend so much on any other insitute that it does on NSD. Wherever you go in the world, there a fees charged. But NSD is such an institute where one gets a scholarship and very high-level acting is taught. I have been doing theatre for the last 12 years and have been in the industry for 12 years. NSD makes your craft strong, and after that, it is your marketing that gets the work done. It happens that when our audition or our photo profile is shown, an NSD pass out is recognised and you get some benefit in getting shortlisted, but after that, the struggle is the same for everyone.
How were your 3 years of rigorous training at NSD?
‘Bahut pyaara hai maine bahut enjoy kia’ (The training is very nice and I have enjoyed it very much during my time). We had to go through a 24-hour training process which included, physical, and psychological training. Training at NSD is marvellous is what I can say.
How do you feel about your career after NSD?
After getting into the industry, everyone stands in the same line it is an NSDian or any top institute. After you get to the auditions, you are shortlisted, that’s a benefit, but getting into the audition is a struggle in itself; it is a tough job. From Naseeruddin Shah to Anupam Kher, everyone had their part in the struggle.