Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Why Rajat Kapoor Keeps Returning to Theatre Despite Fame
Rajat Kapoor works as an actor, filmmaker, and theatre director.
He says filmmaking is still his main job.
When making films takes a long time, he writes scripts and creates plays.
He enjoys theatre because it lets him make things with friends and perform for live audiences.
His new play, The Thing With Feathers, looks at the first 50 years of the 20th century.
He says the play grew slowly until the team found its final shape.
Kapoor has worked with actor Vinay Pathak for nearly 30 years and trusts him greatly.
He also says theatre is doing well, while smaller movies are having a harder time attracting audiences.
The play was well received in Mumbai and is scheduled for Delhi performances on September 26 and 27.
Rajat Kapoor says filmmaking remains his primary creative focus, though theatre fills gaps between films.
He developed The Thing With Feathers around the first 50 years of the 20th century.
Kapoor says trust has sustained his nearly three-decade creative partnership with Vinay Pathak.
He believes theatre is thriving, while smaller films face challenges after the pandemic and rise of OTT platforms.
The Thing With Feathers received an “amazing” response in Mumbai and will be staged in Delhi on September 26 and 27.
- Who
- Filmmaker and theatre artist Rajat Kapoor, along with his creative collaborators including Vinay Pathak.
- What
- Kapoor discussed his return to theatre, his new play The Thing With Feathers, and the challenges facing smaller films.
- When
- The interview concerns the play’s first Mumbai run and upcoming performances on September 26 and 27.
- Where
- The play was first staged in Mumbai and will be performed at OP Jindal Auditorium in Delhi.
- Why
- Kapoor returns to theatre for the joy of creating and performing, collaborating with friends, and engaging with live audiences.
- Primary creative role
- Rajat Kapoor identifies as a filmmaker first.
- New production
- The Thing With Feathers
- Historical focus
- The first 50 years of the 20th century
- Creative partnership
- Kapoor says he has worked with Vinay Pathak for nearly three decades.
- Theatre trend
- Kapoor says theatre is thriving, particularly after changes following the pandemic and the rise of OTT platforms.
- Mumbai response
- Kapoor described the response to the play’s first Mumbai run as “amazing.”
- Upcoming performances
- September 26 and 27 at OP Jindal Auditorium, Delhi.