Approaches and Processes: Changing Vocabulary of My Theatre Practice

Anamika Haksar

Anamika Haksar is a distinguished Indian theatre director and filmmaker. Her artistic journey began under the mentorship of Badal Sircar, followed by training with B V Karanth at the National School of Drama (NSD). Later, she refined her craft at the prestigious State Institute of Theatre Arts in Moscow. Upon returning to India, she joined the National School of Drama, where she played a pivotal role in designing the syllabus for production processes. She has trained numerous individuals who are now celebrated directors and actors in contemporary theatre, cinema, and television. Anamika is highly regarded for introducing a unique language of visually metaphorical and poetic theatre to India, adapted with a modern sensibility. She is also known for her innovative reinterpretation of Indian realism on stage. In 1995, she was honoured with the Sanskriti Award for her groundbreaking contributions to developing a new theatrical language in India. In 2016, she received significant recognition for a theatre installation showcased at the Kochi Biennale. Her debut film, ‘‘Ghode Ko Jalebi Khilane Le Ja Riya Hoon” (Taking the Horse to Eat Jalebis), was lauded as a “masterpiece of contemporary Indian cinema” by Kinoscope. The film has garnered acclaim both nationally and internationally, securing awards and being featured at several renowned film festivals.