Rashami Desai on theatre's undervaluation: 'Actors deserve more respect'
Synopsis
Rashami Desai has used her platform to spotlight theatre's invisibility problem. While television and film dominate India's entertainment discourse, stage actors labour in relative obscurity, facing payment delays and requiring no external validation. Desai's candid remarks underscore a persistent gap: theatre's artistic rigour is rarely matched by industry support or public acknowledgment.
Key Takeaways
Rashami Desai has spoken about theatre's systemic undervaluation in India's entertainment ecosystem.
Theatre actors work intensely but face delayed compensation and minimal public recognition, according to Desai.
Desai praised theatre's collaborative ethos, where performers support each other through creative risks and failures.
Desai made her TV debut in 2006 with Raavan and gained stardom through Uttaran .
She recently performed in Mrs Mara Online Che , reinforcing her commitment to stage work despite her television success.
Actress Rashami Desai, known for her television work in Uttaran and her recent stage performance in Mrs Mara Online Che, has highlighted the systemic underappreciation of theatre talent in India's entertainment landscape. Speaking to IANS, Desai underscored how stage actors labour intensely yet receive delayed compensation and minimal public recognition despite their craft's rigour.
Theatre's hidden struggles
"Theatre is the most underrated medium that we all do," Desai said. "A theatre actor works really hard. They don't get their dues on time. And the kind of fun they have, they have a small family, and they're happy with that. They don't need somebody else's validation." She emphasised that theatre professionals operate within tight-knit communities, driven by passion rather than external validation or industry gatekeeping.
Risk-taking and resilience
Desai pointed out that theatre talents are inherently willing to take creative risks. "If they're making any mistake, if there is any kind of failure, other people are ready to hold their hand and say, 'Okay, this too shall pass.' So, yeah, there's always a new beginning, and theatre is the best medium to learn that." This collaborative ethos, she argued, sets theatre apart from more hierarchical entertainment sectors.
A call for greater visibility
"They deserve more respect, and people should know more about theatre and theatre actors," Desai stressed. "It's a beautiful medium to work in, and I'm really happy that I did theatre." She expressed gratitude to her collaborators, naming directors Vaishali and Pratima, choreographer Ayub, and actors Ojas Rawal and Asif Patel, describing the theatre community as "amazing" and "so positive."
Desai's career trajectory
Rashami Desai made her Hindi television debut in 2006 with Raavan, followed by a dual role in Pari Hoon Main. She achieved mainstream recognition through Uttaran, and later appeared in reality competition shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6, and Nach Baliye 7. She also featured in the Salman Khan-led film Dabangg 2. Her foray into theatre, undertaken after her television success, has reinforced her appreciation for the medium's collaborative and experimental nature.
Point of View
Theatre remains a labour-of-love sector where artists accept delayed pay and invisibility as the price of entry. The irony is sharp: television actors often cite theatre as their training ground, yet the medium itself remains systematically undervalued and under-resourced. Until payment structures and public recognition catch up with the craft's demands, theatre will continue to function as a creative incubator that enriches the industry without being enriched by it.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rashami Desai say about theatre actors and compensation?
Rashami Desai stated that theatre actors work intensely but do not receive their dues on time. She emphasized that despite these challenges, theatre performers form a close-knit community and do not seek external validation or industry gatekeeping, drawing satisfaction from their craft and collaborative environment.
Which play did Rashami Desai recently perform in?
Rashami Desai recently performed in Mrs Mara Online Che , a stage production that marked her foray into theatre after establishing herself in television and film.
What is Rashami Desai's television background?
Rashami Desai made her Hindi television debut in 2006 with Raavan , gained mainstream recognition through Uttaran , and appeared in reality shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 . She also had a cameo in Dabangg 2 .
Why does Desai believe theatre is important despite its undervaluation?
Desai views theatre as the best medium for learning resilience and creative risk-taking. She noted that theatre communities support each other through failures, foster collaboration, and operate without hierarchical gatekeeping, making it a uniquely rewarding albeit underpaid artistic space.
