"You can be part of that change!"
Payal Mistry is effervescent in the realm of theatre, with a noteworthy highlight in her career.
In 2022, Payal became the first woman to play Piscine ‘Pi’ Patel in Yann Martel’s beloved story.
Based on Martel’s best-selling 2001 novel, Life of Pi tells the story of an Indian character in a shipwreck.
Pi is forced to share the lifeboat with an adult Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
The book featured a male protagonist, and Ang Lee’s stunning 2012 film adaptation also starred a male actor in the role.
By being the first woman to play the role onstage, Payal not only created history but showed her talent to high degrees, earning praise and adulation.
In our exclusive chat, Payal Mistry discussed the performance, as well as what she likes about theatre.
What motivated you to become an actress?
What motivated me first was the feeling of pursuing it for myself. My parents really wanted me to do well academically.
Drama in school was the only subject at school I really connected with.
It took a while for my parents to understand.
Over time, with training and watching plays, the impulse to explore different characters and their experiences through storytelling really shaped my love for acting.
What is it about theatre that attracts you?
It’s the buzz around it. Not only as a performer but as an audience member.
Before the show starts, the adrenaline and watching the actors just shine on stage. You get immersed in the experience.
It’s an incredible form of art. Being the one on stage is also a feeling indescribable.
You feel like you’re in something special. It feels like time stops, and you really get to sink into the experience.
As the first woman to play Piscine Patel in Life of Pi, what were your thoughts and did you feel any pressure or expectations taking on such a character?
Absolutely! I felt like I was in my head for a lot of the rehearsals.
To me, with it being such a big show, it felt like I had one shot to get it right.
It’s a completely different story having the genders swapped, and I had to really find the nuance and depth to make them different.
Not only that, the role was really physical and demanding, so I had to really prepare myself to make it believable.
What genres of material excite you the most in theatre?
I’m most drawn to drama, whether contemporary or classical.
I love exploring the nuances in a script – the subtle shifts in emotion, the unspoken tensions, and the chemistry between actors that brings a story to life.
There’s something so powerful about watching – or performing in – a piece that feels raw, intimate, and deeply human.
Whether it’s a modern play tackling current themes or a classical work with rich language and history, I enjoy roles that challenge me and allow for real emotional connection on stage.
Do you think the Indian community is represented enough in UK theatre, and if not, what steps should be taken to rectify this?
Not nearly enough as it should be.
There’s been a lot of progress, but not enough as we’d all like to see, especially in mainstream productions.
There needs to be more casting of South Asian actors in a wider range of roles and not just stereotypical roles.
Theatres should actively seek out and invest in South Asian talent.
Not only that but support and fund Indian creatives to tell authentic stories.
Are there any actors who inspire you, and if so, in what ways?
Ayesha Dharker is up there for me. She’s a powerhouse of a performer. Incredibly versatile, deeply expressive and charismatic.
She brings depth and nuance in every role, balancing strength and vulnerability.
As for paving the way for South Asians in theatre, she’s been a trailblazer!
At a time when opportunities for South Asian actors were even more limited, she carved out space for herself in both British and international theatre.
How do you feel when the audience applauds your work?
It’s an incredible feeling. Knowing that people connected with my performance and felt something because of it makes all the hard work worth it.
It’s a mix of pride, gratitude, and motivation to keep going.
Life of Pi really cemented that feeling for me, and I’m grateful people came away from it feeling not only connected but inspired.
What advice would you give to young Desi women who wish to enter theatre?
Go for it fearlessly! Your voice and your stories matter.
There will be challenges, but don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong.
Find a supportive community, keep honing your craft, and create opportunities for yourself if they aren’t readily available.
Representation is growing, and you can be part of that change!
Can you tell us anything about your future work?
Such a different field of work, but there’s a video game coming out that I’m working on.
It relies on the same research, playability and performance as working on a Theatre and screen production.
It’s so exciting to get stuck in, and I’m hoping that it paves the way for more diversity in this industry!
Payal Mistry undeniably has a great attitude and charisma shining in her work.
Her portrayal of Pi Patel was nothing short of spectacular and pioneered equality as well as the art of theatre, puppetry, and stagecraft.
With an exciting project on the way, it’s all upward for Payal from here.
As her name suggests, keep an eye out for the shimmering grace of Payal Mistry’s talent.
This could be the nation’s next superstar!
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