Aruna Ravikumar

Under the stage lights at Ravindra Bharati, dressed as Bharata, I didn’t fully understand the story that I was part of.
I was a child playing the son of King Dushyantha and Shakuntala in Abhignyana Shakuntalam by Kalidasa — born in an ashram, raised in simplicity, yet destined to shape a legacy.
At that age, it was about costumes, dialogues, rehearsals, and applause.
Theatre gave me confidence before I knew what confidence meant.
It gave me courage before I knew fear.
I may not have pursued theatre — but theatre never left me.
We must encourage children to step onto the stage — because theatre doesn’t just teach acting; it builds voice, empathy, discipline, and self-belief.
Some roles end with the curtain.
Some stay with you for life.