Group politics in theatre is harmful: Sharmishtha

Actress Sharmishtha Raut-Nipankar, who shot to fame as Niraja in the television serial Man UdhaanVaryache, says that though she enjoys the attention and popularity that come with TV shows, theatre is her first love. Sharmishtha is currently busy with another daily soap in which she portrays the character of Tai Sasubai, a widow. But she says that creative satisfaction that comes with theatre is unmatched.
���������I come from a theatre background. I enjoy doing TV shows as they help one reach out to a large audience. Television gives you popularity but theatre is something which gives me work satisfaction of a completely different level,��������� she says.
The actor is working on the play Baiko Asun Shejari. Last year, her first commercial play Jo bhi Hoga Dekha Jayega won her an award. But she laments the scenario of theatre in the city. ���������A lot of talent in Nashik gets suppressed because of theatre group politics. People need to grow above these petty things,��������� she says.
She completed her graduation in Commerce from KTHM College. ���������In Nashik, I was associated with the Swapnagandha group. Then, when I moved to Pune to pursue my MBA from Cummins College, I worked with the AK Group which did a lot of good work in theatre,��������� she says.
Being associated with a good theatre group is very important if you wish to make a career in this industry, she feels. ���������I was fortunate to have been associated with best people who encouraged and supported me to settle in the industry,��������� she says.
Apart from good theatre groups, the actor also feels that marriage has proved to be lucky for her career. ���������I was doing a lot of work before marriage too but big breaks came in after marriage. I am lucky that my in-laws are extremely supportive. In fact at times they love me more than their own daughter!��������� she shares with a smile.
Sharmishtha is also busy with dance and music shows abroad. This trained bharatnatyam dancer says, ���������I recently returned from a show in Israel. I performed on a Bollywood dance number.���������
Speaking of Bollywood, she does dream of doing some good work in the Hindi film industry. ���������It is definitely on my mind to do some good work in Hindi some day. I hope things fall in place soon,��������� she says.