Prithvi Theatre Festival 2026: Two Kapoors, One Stage And A Rule Not Even A Kapoor Can Break
You are sitting with two Kapoors. Father and son, one stage between them, and a running commentary on each other that no script could improve. It is festival time at Prithvi, and the theatre has just turned 48. So I begin with the easy question. What is the first thing you feel when you walk in here? Kunal Kapoor doesn’t hesitate. “Why is the dustbin not being cleaned? Why is the ashtray not…
At Prithvi Theatre, two Kapoors sit side by side on a stage, sharing a running commentary that rivals any script. The theatre has turned 48, and the festival is in full swing. Kunal Kapoor, the younger Kapoor, is far from pleased when asked about the first thing he notices upon entering the venue. "Why is the dustbin not being cleaned?
Why is the ashtray not empty? Why is the box office not open yet?" His son, Zahan, chuckles at his father's observations. The shared concern among them is ensuring that every visitor feels at home. For the audience, Prithvi is about a performance, something at the café and a conversation that can last beyond the show. The Kapoors discuss the concerns they face, with affection and occasional laughter.
Kunal reflects on his grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, whose touring company, Prithvi Theatres, addressed issues of his time on stage. Plays like Deewar, Pathan and Paisa tackled topics like Partition, Hindu-Muslim harmony and corruption. Despite the passage of time, Kunal points out that those issues still persist today. The family has lost the film of Paisa and cannot trace the script of one of their plays.
Prithviraj wanted a theatre that belonged to the nation. Kunal recalls a letter seeking support from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His parents eventually made the dream a reality.
The Kapoors believe in a theatre that keeps everyone busy, maintaining the auditorium's intimacy while addressing practical concerns like backstage facilities, storage and equipment space. Ticket receipts directly go to the performers, with no advance deposits demanded. They welcome audiences to gather, watch, argue about their experiences and stay a bit longer than planned.
Prithvi turns 48, and Zahan welcomes visitors to a space without barriers, believing it helps everyone feel welcome. The third bell, however, remains a point of respect for those who arrive on time.
Zahan emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere at Prithvi Theatre, while Kunal focuses on practical aspects like backstage facilities. They agree on the importance of giving audiences a space to gather, watch, argue about what they have seen and perhaps stay a little longer than planned. As the festival progresses, more premieres will be showcased, offering a diverse range of performances to Mumbai's audience.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
