Comedian Manoj Gajurel Debuts in Theater as Lord Ganesha

Kathmandu. Audience will now get to see comedian Manoj Gajurel in a different avatar. This time he is going to appear in the avatar of 'Lord Ganesha'. He, who gained fame by caricaturing leaders and world-renowned personalities, will be seen in a different avatar in the play 'Mahabharat' which is being prepared for staging at Kantipur Theatre. He will step onto the stage with a symbolic crown of Lord Ganesha on his head.

Previously, he had presented satire on social anomalies in the getup of Lord Krishna in a video titled 'Corruption'. However, appearing as Lord Ganesha on a live stage will be an entirely different and serious experience for him. Gajurèl is debuting on stage for the first time through this play.

This is a new experience for Gajurèl, who has had a long artistic journey of decades. He considers this not just playing a new character, but an important step towards entering a profound genre of art.

Gajurèl said that the role of Ganesha in the play will not be an exact replica of Lord Ganesha but symbolic, according to the imagination of the directors and costume designers. It will be a new experience for the audience to see Gajurèl, who is famous for his solo and group comedy performances and skits on television screens and stages at home and abroad, in a play.

He believes that the maturity in the acting, understanding, and perspective of theatre artists is due to their rigorous practice.

Explaining the reason for being attracted to the theatre, Gajurèl said, 'I was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the audience when I went to watch the play 'Seto Dharti' staged at Kantipur Theatre.'

He said that he saw a very new generation, especially quality audience, in the theatre. He said, 'The presence of serious audience members, who are rarely seen in films or other entertainment mediums, attracted me towards theatre.' He has been busy rehearsing continuously with the young and creative team of the theatre for the last 15-20 days for the play.

According to Gajurèl, the preparation for the play has given him a new perspective and energy. He said, 'If I had acted 15-20 years ago, I now realize that it would have enhanced the comedy genre I am working in by more than 50 percent.'

He believes that the maturity in the acting, understanding, and perspective of theatre artists is due to their rigorous practice.

The play in which Gajurèl is going to act has been written by the famous Indian writer Kuldeep Kunal. It has been Nepali adapted, designed, and directed by Naveen Bhatta. The play 'Mahabharat' is not just a repetition of an ordinary mythological story.

'The play will give the audience a different flavor than the traditional Mahabharat we have heard and read about,' he explained about the play, 'It raises strong questions about the inner conflicts of the characters and social issues rather than the events of the war.'

He said that the play will artistically explore serious social and practical questions such as the problem of untouchability, the definition of power and powerlessness, and whom to consider powerful and whom to consider intellectual.

Working with new and young artists in the theatre has been a pleasant experience for Manoj Gajurèl, who has been established and famous in the Nepali art sector for decades.

Gajurèl believes that it awakens the consciousness that we should look at the ideas we have believed to be true for years from another angle.

In films or television productions, artists have the facility to correct their mistakes immediately or take a 'retake'. In solo comedy skits, if something goes wrong, spontaneous additions can be made to engage the audience. However, the world of theatre is completely different. There is neither the facility for retakes, nor can the talent of one person alone suffice. Gajurèl willingly accepts this challenge.

'If something goes wrong in a play, it cannot be corrected in jest. It is not enough for me to be talented; my co-artists must be equally strong. When working collectively, if someone's performance falters, another must support them,' he said, 'This is why this genre is more challenging and beautiful.'

Working with new and young artists in the theatre has been a pleasant experience for Manoj Gajurèl, who has been established and famous in the Nepali art sector for decades. Upon entering the rehearsal room, he presents himself not as an established 'star' but as a learner. 'Even though they are less seen in media or films, there are talented brothers and sisters there whose acting makes me feel like they are my acting gurus,' said Gajurèl.

Veteran artist Ramesh Budhathoki, who has over 40 years of stage experience, is also playing a main role in the play. He says that the rehearsal environment is always energetic due to respect for elders and warm friendship with the juniors. He stated that collaborating with the new generation has helped him learn and teach new dimensions of art.

• Ego and Shame Left Outside

In most cases, established artists exhibit a kind of ego when seen with new or less-known artists. However, Gajurèl has experienced that upon entering the theatre gate, the ego and shame of any artist are left outside.

'The theatre is truly a place of practice,' said Gajurèl, who is also interested in meditation and spirituality, 'Once you reach there, the environment there automatically calms down a person's ego.'

The final stage rehearsal of the play, which is scheduled to be staged regularly from the 14th, including makeup and lighting, was held on Monday (May 11).

He considers the play to be purely teamwork. He argues that in the play, the investment of the director, actors, musician, lighting coordinator, hall manager, and even the set construction unit is equal, so no one is small or big.

This play may be a different flavor for the regular audience who enjoy Gajurèl's comedy. However, since he has previously presented performances on sensitive topics such as mother, father, the autobiography of Imansingh, and stories of cooperative victims, he claims that the audience can enjoy the play as much as before. He said that this play is the most different and mature genre of his career.

'A play has its own distinct world and height. Here, the waves between the artist and the audience connect in such a way that the moment feels like being in a practice or meditation,' he said, 'There is a certain intellectual class that regularly watches plays, but it also entertains the general audience who only watch other forms of entertainment.'

The final stage rehearsal of the play, which is scheduled to be staged regularly from the 14th, including makeup and lighting, was held on Monday (May 11). Gajurèl is very excited about the staging due to its success.