"Prithvi was the only theatre that was pure."
Prithvi Theatre is among the most popular and frequented stage houses in India.
However, its origins trace back several decades, and the history is steeped not only in Indian theatre but also has a deep connection to Bollywood.
The establishment has regularly presented effervescent shows and is an ornament to the Juhu suburb of Mumbai.
With so much culture and entertainment in its annals, we thought we would take you on an exciting journey through its legacy.
So, sit back and relax while you explore the history of Prithvi Theatre with DESIblitz.
Origins
Any respected organisation usually comes with a history rich with dreams, perseverance, and tenacity.
That is exactly what the legendary Indian film star Prithviraj Kapoor had in the 1940s.
Prithviraj Sahab was a pioneer of theatre in India, founding the travelling theatre company Prithvi Theatres in 1944.
The company toured for 16 years, even while Prithviraj Sahab was also dazzling on the big screen.
In an interview, his youngest son Shashi Kapoor states:
“[Prithviraj Sahab] must have imbibed all that love, affection, and fondness for theatre during his college days.
“Besides being good in studies, he was also very good in football and tennis.
“I was only six years old when the company started. Prithviraj Kapoor was also very fond of the people who worked with him.”
The second play Prithviraj Kapoor put on was named Deewaar. Talking about this, Shashi continues:
“He foresaw the Partition of India. In the first act, he showed a very rich family.
“Suddenly, at the end of the first act, there came a few foreigners. In the second act, they take over the running of the play.
“And these two landlords are corrupted by the foreigners. It is completely allegorical. This happened in 1945.”
The words of Shashi Kapoor show the determination and passion Prithviraj Sahab possessed in spreading theatre in India.
A Fulfilled Dream
Prithviraj Kapoor’s dream was to establish a theatre in every town and small village in India.
Unfortunately, this never happened and in 1972, Prithviraj Sahab passed away.
However, Shashi kept his father’s dream alive. When his father was alive, Shashi married the English actress, Jennifer Kendal, in 1958.
Jennifer was the older daughter of Laura and Geoffrey Kendal, and the sister of the iconic Felicity Kendal.
Jennifer was also the leading actress of the Kendals’ theatre company, Shakespearana.
When their company crossed paths with Prithvi Theatres, it paved the way for Shashi and Jennifer to meet.
After Prithviraj Sahab’s death, Shashi and Jennifer revived and built Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai.
Designed by the architect Ved Segan, the theatre opened in 1978. Until she died in 1984, Jennifer supervised the running of the theatre.
The first play in this new establishment was Udhwastha Dharmashala.
Written by GP Deshpande, it was staged by Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Benjamin Gilani.
An Everlasting Stage
In the late 1970s, theatre in India was dominated by English theatre and amateur Gujarati and Marathi shows.
Few venues and stages were available to promote and present Hindi theatre.
Prithvi Theatre gave Hindi shows a unique platform that was affordable both for the audience and for creatives.
The stage marked the beginning of original content and a fresh voice for playwrights, actors, and directors.
This initiative by Shashi Kapoor created a new audience for this genre of entertainment.
On the day of Jennifer Kendal’s death, Prithvi Theatre did not close. In a committed style, the shows went on.
Jennifer and Shashi’s son, Kunal Kapoor, began overseeing the theatre.
The tabla player, Zakir Hussain, was Jennifer’s close friend and during a grand festival in 1985, he performed on her birthday.
Hussain performed regularly at the theatre and in the 1990s, Shashi and Jennifer’s daughter Sanjana Kapoor also joined the company.
She also hosted a variety of activities and workshops.
In 1995, the Indian government issued a commemorative stamp to honour Prithvi Theatres.
In 2006, to celebrate the birth centenary of Prithviraj Kapoor, the theatre hosted a festival titled Kala Desh Ki Sewa Mein, which translates to ‘Art in Service of the Nation’.
Shashi Kapoor died on December 4, 2017. Along with his staggering filmography, what also remains a firm fixture of his legacy is his unmatched contribution to the art of theatre.
The Show Goes On
For nearly 50 years, Prithvi Theatre has witnessed a substantial growth in its popularity.
The stage continuously subjects the audience to a vast array of diverse and brilliant shows.
Ved Segan says: “Prithvi was the only theatre that was pure in its form.
“An architect isn’t supposed to take credit for his work. His credit lies in the success of the space he creates.”
Sanjana Kapoor highlights the importance of the direct collaboration between Segan and her father Shashi Kapoor.
She states: “Even the National Theatre in London has certain ‘mistakes’.
“Because it was built by architects and not people who work in the theatre.”
Prithvi Theatre is one of the greatest venues in India that sees creativity come to life.
It might not be as big compared to other theatres in the world, but that doesn’t negate the outstanding art that it represents.
The theatre is the legacy of the Kapoor family, whose name shines in glory on the stage as well as on the big screen.
So, if you’re seeking a divine stage experience in India, Prithvi Theatre should be an obvious choice.
The show will go on for years to come.
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