Live Theatre Demands Quick Thinking, Says Shruti Deshpande

Actress Shruti Deshpande opened up about a memorable moment on the stage of “Nakaab” when Navazuddin Siddiqui’s microphone malfunctioned during a high‑energy scene. With the audience’s attention fixed on the actors, any lapse could have ruined the performance.

Deshpande’s response was swift: she amplified her own voice, coordinated with co‑actors to adjust their delivery, and kept the narrative flowing while technicians sorted the issue. The play resumed seamlessly, and the audience remained unaware of the technical hiccup.

The incident reinforced the principle of “presence of mind,” a skill Deshpande says is essential for any theatre artist. Unlike cinema, where errors can be edited out, live theatre offers no second chances – the performer must own the moment and resolve it instantly.

She also praised the young Shora Siddiqui, describing her growth from a hesitant speaker of Hindi to a confident performer delivering a full monologue. Deshpande sees a similar spark of versatility in Shora that she admires in Navazuddin’s varied roles.