The ever welcoming theatre which has become a phenomenon over the years stands quietly in the midst of busy and bustling Juhu. As soon as you enter the gate-less literary hub, the open air cafe greets you with its warmth and you can't wait to sit under the tree and sip on hot tea or coffee along with some yummy munchies like the famous Noor Mohammedi kebabs, mutton keema rolls and samosas from Gurukripa. The softly lit paper lanterns make for a perfect ambience and force you to grab a seat in a corner and delve into your favourite book.

 

Prithvi becomes a second home for the actors and directors for as long as their shows go on. The veteran theatre director and playwright Sri Satyadev Dubey can often be spotted sitting in the cafe, engrossed in deep conversations with his colleagues and juniors.

 

“Every other theatre space we perform in- has to match upto Prithvi now, it is an oasis for theatre practitioners in this city. My daughter wrote a two page essay about Prithvi on her own, called - 'my second home', it is my second home too”, says, the noted director and actor Rajat Kapoor.

 

Moving on to the bookshop, The Paperback attracts you instantly. An ardent reader would find it a haven; with a huge collection of Hindi and English plays, short stories collections and novels at his or her disposal. Keep a keen eye for rare publications, some of which you would not find in any other ordinary bookstore.  The Gallery, just outside the theatre displays photographs from the current plays, paintings and caricatures.

 

Inside, the small and cosy hall with semi-circular seating arrangement and small stage in the centre makes for an intimate rendezvous with the ongoing event. The famous theatre and film actor Yashpal Sharma talks very fondly about Prithvi, “I have performed in numerous theatres across the country but Prithvi has satisfied me most as an actor. Being a low capacity theatre it helps an artist connect with the audience and inspires a natural performance”, he says.

 

Prithvi Theatre holds a high respect for its performers and commands the same from the audience and so the doors are closed as soon as the play starts and no latecomers are allowed inside. 

 

 

The history of Prithvi goes back to the time when the eminent actor and theatre person Sri Prithviraj Kapoor started his travelling theatre company in 1944 and named it Prithvi Theatre. The company worked for 16 years touring more than 100 towns and performing around 2500 plays. Due to ill health Prithviraj Kapoor had to close down his theatre company. Later, after his death his youngest son Shashi Kapoor (Film and theatre actor who needs no introduction) and his wife Jennifer Kapoor (an equally renowned Theatre personality) built Sri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust and Research Foundation in 1975. This trust gave us the illustrious Prithvi Theatre, named after the originator himself which was inaugurated on 5th November, 1978. The first ever play performed at the theatre was 'Udhvastha Dharmashala' by Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri and Benjamin Gilani.

 

Currently, Shashi Kapoor's daughter Sanjana Kapoor and son Kunal Kapoor run the theatre and take care of it. By introducing a lot of workshops and regular events, they have taken Prithvi to new heights.

 

Prithvi Theatre, definitely, is a mecca for the veteran as well as the aspiring theatre artist.

 

 

To find out about the upcoming plays and events at Prithvi Theatre log on to: