I Personally Feel That It's Very Important To Practise Theatre - Vibhuti Tomar (Movie Actress & AD)

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1. Tell us about your background and journey. 

I did my schooling from Delhi and thereafter completed my Bachelor in Commerce from Hindu College, Delhi University. I had been connected with theatre from my school days and performed one of my first plays in Lahore, Pakistan as a part of an International Cultural Exchange Programme when I was in class 5. 

In college, I joined Ibtida, The Dramatics Society, and conceptualized and performed street plays as well as stage plays. I went on to do my post-graduation in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. 

After working for a year in Public Relations I shifted to Mumbai to work for films. I assisted Shoojit Sircar in my first film, 'October' in the year 2017. In the meantime, I acted and assisted in various other ad commercials. I further assisted in 'Gulabo Sitabo' and 'Sardar Udham Singh'.


2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor? 

Acting did not come as a dream to me. It was more of accepting what I liked the most. Since childhood, and my brother would mimic various characters who were a part of our day to day life, be it a common teacher, house help, or any of our cousins (including each other). 

The joy of it turned into a career choice later. I was a studious child and academics wasn't something that bothered me while I continued to practice theatre. Also, films came as a second choice because of the difficulties associated with theatre as a medium for survival. But after doing films I realized that both the art forms had their own adrenaline and one couldn't really compare both.


3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor? 

I personally feel that it's very important to practice theatre. I mean there are actors out there who haven't done it and are still shining but the journey of theatre opens up the mind in ways one can't fathom. For instance, there are character and dialogue exercises that stay with you even when you try to draw characters for a film. 

I was a part of a film where I had to play a Haryanvi cop. First, to get the part and later to build the character, I went back to a senior from college who was doing plays that time and was well versed with the language. It automatically gave me a lot of clarity and the whole exercise became very smooth.

The confidence and belief to become an actor are dependent on various internal and external factors, the most important being the knowledge of the craft and a decent introspection of where you stand and where do you want to see yourself. For instance, a very important question here would be, do you see yourself as an actor or do you see yourself just becoming famous? That clarity is very important.


4. If not this, what would you be doing?

I would either be teaching kids using theatre as a tool that I frequently still do or I would be running an Arts cafe. Also, I wanted to do a lot of things at once and films open up those opportunities because anything creative comes with a lot of freedom.


5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

It always seems easier to take two steps back than take one forward. But if you are really passionate, there is nothing else that excites you more, you'll make your way come what may.


6. What is your mantra of success?

Firstly, I don't consider myself successful to give out a mantra. Yes, if there was a mantra it would be to keep working on the mantra in case it stops working. I mean it's okay to believe in something today but it's also okay to have a different opinion tomorrow. The idea is to keep evolving.


7. Which is your favorite book and why?

"Ravan and Eddie" by Kiran Nagarkar. It's very rare that a text can make you laugh (like literally laugh) yet keep you thinking of the social issues which we generally discuss with a very serious undertone.

- Vibhuti Tomar, Actor. She has acted in movies such as October and Badhai Ho. 

- Interviewed by Shilpy Sharan