Rasika Dugal learns piano for upcoming film 'Little Thomas'
Synopsis
Rasika Dugal didn't just prepare lines for 'Little Thomas' — she learned the piano for it, practising wherever she could find space. Her candid posts and advocacy for meaningful children's cinema make this more than a typical behind-the-scenes tease.
Key Takeaways
Rasika Dugal took piano lessons for her upcoming drama 'Little Thomas' .
She practised at home, on set, between shots, and in her van — 'jahaan jagah mil jaaye, jab bhi waqt mil jaaye.' Dugal described the experience as a 'life lesson' that 'persistence is fun.' She called for more Indian filmmakers to make films children can relate to, arguing children's cinema can be 'meaningful without becoming preachy.' 'Little Thomas' does not yet have an announced release date.
Actress Rasika Dugal has been taking piano lessons in preparation for her upcoming drama 'Little Thomas', sharing glimpses of her practice journey on social media on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The actress, known for her acclaimed roles in 'Mirzapur' and 'Manto', documented how she squeezed in rehearsals at home, on set, between shots, and even in her van.
Behind the Practice Sessions
Dugal shared several videos of her piano practice on her official social media handle, revealing the unconventional settings in which she honed the skill. 'We practiced at home, on shoot, in between shots and in the van... jahaan jagah mil jaaye, jab bhi waqt mil jaaye! Practiced slow and fast, on beat and off! Practiced through the mess-ups and the give-ups... Giggled through some mistakes and ploughed through others,' she wrote.
The actress distilled her experience into a broader life lesson, adding: 'Life lesson — persistence is fun. And being a loopy person (if you are one... you know what I am talking about) has some benefits.'
The Film and Its Vision
Dugal described 'Little Thomas' as a 'beautiful little film', expressing her joy at getting to learn a new skill for the project. She also underscored the importance of quality cinema made specifically for children, stating that the genre is often underexplored by Indian filmmakers.
'Cinema is a wonderful way to expand your world and fuel your imagination. Many of the thoughts and ideas we have as adults can be traced back to the films we watched growing up. We therefore need films that children can relate to — films that embrace their curiosity rather than dismiss it,' she said in a statement.
A Case for Children's Cinema
Dugal further argued that children's films need not sacrifice depth for entertainment. 'Children's cinema can be entertaining without being frivolous and meaningful without becoming preachy. I would love to see more filmmakers explore stories that children can enjoy and that open up new possibilities for their imagination,' she added.
Notably, the advocacy for children's cinema comes at a time when the Indian film industry is increasingly exploring niche and genre storytelling, with platforms expanding appetite for family-oriented content. 'Little Thomas' is yet to receive an official release date, but Dugal's preparations suggest production is well underway.
Point of View
But the more substantive moment is her statement on children's cinema — a genre that Indian streaming platforms have begun to invest in but theatrical releases still largely ignore. If 'Little Thomas' delivers on its premise, it could nudge the conversation about what mainstream Bollywood owes its youngest audiences. The actor-as-advocate framing is increasingly common, but it lands with more weight when backed by visible preparation, as it is here.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rasika Dugal learning piano?
Rasika Dugal is learning piano for her role in the upcoming drama 'Little Thomas'. She shared videos of her practice sessions on social media, revealing she rehearsed at home, on set, between shots, and in her van.
What is the film 'Little Thomas' about?
'Little Thomas' is described by Dugal as a drama aimed at children. Beyond that, plot details have not been officially disclosed, though Dugal has spoken about the need for films that embrace children's curiosity rather than dismiss it.
What has Rasika Dugal said about children's cinema?
Dugal has stated that children's cinema can be 'entertaining without being frivolous and meaningful without becoming preachy.' She has called for more Indian filmmakers to tell stories that expand children's imagination.
When will 'Little Thomas' release?
An official release date for 'Little Thomas' has not yet been announced. Dugal's social media posts indicate the film is currently in or recently completed production.
What other films is Rasika Dugal known for?
Rasika Dugal is widely recognised for her roles in the web series 'Mirzapur' and the biographical drama 'Manto', among several other critically noted projects in Indian cinema and streaming.
