BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 17, 2025: Atlanta’s vibrant Hindi theatre scene came alive on September 29 and 30, at the
Comfort Inn on Peachtree Industrial Blvd, as Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Theater Group organized an intensive two-day acting workshop led by acclaimed Bollywood and theatre actor Shishir Sharma. The event was held in association with the Atlanta Indian Film Festival and the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta.
Understanding the Power of Text and Character
The first day delved deep into the essence of acting—understanding the text. Shishir Sharma began by exploring why text is so vital to an actor’s craft, often overlooked in the excitement of performance. Participants discussed the nuances of notional issues actors face, and how to approach characterization—when and how actors begin to think about who their characters truly are. The workshop included detailed discussions on: Reading scripts with awareness of subtext and “reading between the lines”; The roles of imagination, observation, and improvisation; The difference between listening and hearing; and the Foundational actor’s questions: Who am I? What am I? Where am I? Why am I here? What do I want? Why do I want it? Participants found these exercises eye-opening and deeply practical, blending theory with interactive moments that sparked reflection and creativity.
Performing the Monologues
The second day, on September 30, was dedicated to performance. Each of the 16 participants presented self-written monologues, showcasing their creativity and individuality. Shishir Sharma provided personalized feedback and acting tips, helping each performer refine their craft and understand the subtleties of emotional expression, voice modulation, and body language. At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates of participation were awarded to all 16 participants and the volunteer team, acknowledging their enthusiasm and hard work. The atmosphere was filled with joy, learning, and artistic camaraderie.
The participants included: Vijay Gaur, Shahid Ali, Nidhi Pipal, Rita Kapahi, Renu Kumar, Aslam Pervez, Shalina Ali, Swati Sridhar, Poornima Raj, Sneha Talika, Noorulain Khan, Manish Dubey, Mamta Parikh, Ashwita Shah, Natasha Naqvi, and Sachin Bapat. The Backstage Team was: Anil Bhagat, Kartikay Bhagat, Gandharv Bhagat, and Talat Alvi, with Puneet Bhatnagar on Camera.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Shishir Sharma by the Dhoop Chaoon team and members of the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his time, mentorship, and inspiration. The workshop concluded on a high note—with everyone looking forward to the next session, which organizer Bhagat promised will be scheduled soon. The event reaffirmed Dhoop Chaoon’s commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening the Hindi theatre community in Atlanta.
