Sourabh Raaj Jain Reflects on the Magic of Theatre on World Theatre Day; says 'Performing live in front of an audience is a different kind of high'

Sourabh Raaj Jain has built a strong connection with audiences over the years through a range of performances across formats. Known for his screen presence and versatility, he is currently appearing in Sangamarmar.

This World Theatre Day, the actor spoke about his experience with theatre, something he recently explored through his play Mere Krishn, which opened last month and has been drawing a good response.

For Sourabh, the shift to stage has been very different from working in front of the camera. He says the immediacy of performing live changes how you approach every moment.

“Performing live in front of an audience is a different kind of high. In character, you are either accepted or rejected then and there, but once accepted, the connection that gets built is beautiful. Of course, it goes without saying that for that to happen, a lot of rehearsals go underway. From the very start until the very end, all the senses have to be on high alert, and that, I believe, is most important. It’s my first time in theatre and I am still learning, but having said that, I know for a fact that I love being on stage now more than anywhere else,” he says.

He also points out that theatre brings a certain honesty to performance — there’s no pause, no retake, and no distance from the audience. Everything unfolds in the moment, and that’s what makes it both demanding and rewarding.

For him, Mere Krishn has been less about a shift in medium and more about understanding his craft in a new way. It’s a space he is still getting used to, but one that he clearly enjoys.