माइथो ड्रामा ‘ईश्वर’ में मंदोदरी बनीं रिधिमा तिवारी: बोलीं-पुनीत इस्सर जैसे थिएटर धुरंधरों के साथ काम किया, अब यह मंच कभी नहीं छोड़ूंगी

Films like ‘Begum Jaan’, TV shows “Crime Petrol ‘,’ Sasural Genda Phool ‘,’ Do Dil Ek Jaan ‘,’ Ghulam ‘,’ Divya Vision ‘and Series’ Tujpe Main Fida’ after the role of Inspector … Ridhima Tiwari is discussed with Puneet Isar these days with a theater, Mytho Drama ‘Ishwar’. But the conversation in detail …

Tell us about the theater show ‘Ishwar’ and what was your role in it?

This is a Hindi Mahanataka whose title is ‘Ishwar’. The point of view of this show is of Ravana, which is very unique. I have never seen such an illustration before every character has got a chance to keep his aspect. I have played Mandodari in this drama. Since childhood, I have seen many versions of Ramayana but never got a chance to know Mandodari in this way.

Through this play, I got a chance to understand Mandodari more. I came to know that she was more intelligent than Ravana, or that she would beat Ravana in chess. This high role of Mandodari has been presented by Atul Satya Kaushik ji in God Mahanatak for the first time. I am fortunate to choose me for this role.

How was it to join with Atul Satya Kaushik and come to the theater?

Even before Atul Satya Kaushik ji, I got opportunities to join the theater many times when I could come on stage with different people. But it is said, “Hoihi soi which Ram Rachi Rakha” – is what Lord Rama has already decided for us. 2024 came as an important turn for me, when ‘Ishwar’ drama was deeply associated with the name Ram. Even before this, there were opportunities to join the theater, but the trust expressed by Atul Satya Kaushik ji was special.

It was a big thing to perform in front of veteran like veteran artist Puneet ji on stage. Despite the experience, it was hesitant to speak live audiences and the whole script, so I myself said to give me the lowest line, but everyone, especially Atul sir, believed me more.

How to have your experience as the character of Mandodari, especially with the dialogue?

“Mandodari” is a symbol of a courageous, somatic and silent rebellion. Despite being the wife of Ravana, she tried to save Lanka and show her the right path, but could not succeed. It was both difficult decisions for her to support religion or to explain to her husband. Ravana, who was a powerful king, was fighting an internal war in front of Mandodari. It is a rhythm in the dialogue, and the hair stands up after hearing every line.

The auditorium echoed with applause is like a dream for me, which I am living. Due to this drama, I again started writing in Hindi – which I had almost forgotten. After so many years, writing dialogues again in Hindi was like a return to childhood for me – and all this was possible because of Atul sir.

What do you think about Atul Satya Kaushik ji?

Atul Satya Kaushik is Sanjay Leela Bhansali of Sir Theater World. Whether it is an outfit, lighting, character look or music – their vision is clearly reflected. For the first time, risk were taken like live singing, dancing and puppets, which were not easy to present in a rhythm but it was possible with Atul sir’s priced and imagination.

It is not a matter of everyone to present mythology with so much richness and beauty. Language, writing and expression were so much so much that we just had to speak with the right emotion and poses. This two-and-a-half month hard work, rehearsal and time spent together have made us a family. Now we also feel difficult to stay away from each other.

How was your first experience in the theater and what did you learn from it?

In the theater, I started with zero, but when Atul sir says, “He is proud of me,” so I think my hard work paid off. I performed with the giants of the forum whose voice, diction and discipline are inspiring. Especially standing in front of Puneet ji and keeping pace with his voice was no less than a blessing for me. Mandodari’s emotional graph is a new experience – the suffering of a wife who is disagreed with her husband’s deeds, but never tried to understand. Sita’s pain is always shown in the Ramayana, but what did Mandodari think? Was she in favor of war? Did he try to explain the right and wrong to Ravana? It was very special and enjoyable for me to live this conflict on stage.

How will theater use experience further in your TV, web series or film work?

You cannot compare each other in this. Theater is a separate medium where your voice, your reaction, your emotion you have to project to the audience. OTT is a medium where there is realism but you do not have to deliver because the camera is above you, so the projection it has decreases. What I have learned here is discipline, dignity of dialogue and be aware every moment. It is very difficult to match-up the live audience in the theater. The theater makes us alert, keeps the ground connected to the ground. It makes us humbers, does not let success to climb on the head.

When you have a new character offer, what does it come to your mind first?

Whenever a new character comes, I first listen to the whole story and how that character is taking that story in forward direction, it is very important for me what is the graph in that story, what are his shades, or if he does not have a back story, then what can his back story be. I consider that character or person’s existing and his ‘why’ what is this, why is it doing? His ‘what and why’ is very important.

I see Ridhima’s ‘I’ and how ‘I’ of that character is merging, I see my old experiences and other aspects. I love to challenge the rest. There is a lot in career to explore!

How do you balance your personal life and work?

This becomes very easy for me because the partner of mine, my husband, is an actor and they do both of us very beautifully. When they see that I am getting a little more or I have got some chance, they free me. During these 9 shows, he has supported so much, as if he is not me, he is performing. They know how hungry I am as an artist, how much passionate I am. They are also an equal discipline and passionate, so when some of their projects start, I make them completely careless that now you go, now you forget the house, now I will handle it.

What are your upcoming shows in the theater?

It is just beginning, isn’t it? As of now on 21 and 22 (June) we are going back to Delhi, in Kamani Auditorium, for this play ‘Ishwar’. I now want to stay connected with a lifetime theater because I felt as if I had a return home. I will do everything else but will not leave the theater. I felt that man, why did I have so many years, why were I far away? This is like a big house. I felt as if I came after 14 years of exile.