Anupam Shyam: People of Indore are well-cultured and understand theatre

Veteran actor Anupam Shyam, best remembered for the negative characters he’s played on TV, was in the city to promote his new show Ristoon Ka Mela.
"I keep visiting Indore every now and then as I have relatives in this city. Every time I come here, I get a lot of love from the people. But, if you ask me why I remember this city, I will say it’s because of its love for theatre.I have come to Indore to perform a play on Mirza Ghalib, Qaid-e-Hayat, and the response I got from the audience was heart-warming,” says the actor, who quickly adds, “Every time I’m here, I make sure I grab a plate of poha-jalebi and enjoy the scenic beauty of the city.”
Comparing theatre and television, Anupam says, “I think TV leaves a long-lasting impression, primarily because the shows go on for years. But, it also becomes easy for an actor to get typecast, thanks to the long time period in which he plays the same character. This is exactly what has happened with me; I have been typecast in television. But that is fine as I get my creative satisfaction doing theatre and niche films.” Speaking about the importance of being a well-read actor, he says, “Most of this young crop of actors come and flaunt their abs and well-worked out bodies, but lack confidence while reading a part given to them. This completely shocks me. In my view, an actor should always be hungry to read and learn more. I read a lot of literature, and it helps me absorb the characters given to me in a better way. The importance of being well-read is always appreciated in the creative world.” He adds, “Among the A-list actors, I like what Ajay Devgan does. He is one actor who has given me a vibe similar to what I get from my fellow theatre mates.”
Ask him about the changes he has witnessed in the entertainment industry over the years, and he laughs, “Initially, I used to meet producer/directors with my resume, which would also include the plays I have done, the films I’ve been part of. But these days, I see actors walking pompously to production houses with their gym-fit bodies and expensive portfolios and think that is enough to fetch them a role. Bizarre, isn’t it?”
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