"All the world's a stage," said William Shakespeare
A thought that still holds true today — because long before the camera rolls, every great performance begins on stage. Celebrated on March 27, World Theatre Day honours storytelling in its purest form — live, immediate and deeply human.
It's also a reminder that the roots of great acting lie not under dazzling film lights, but in the raw intensity of theatre, where there are no retakes and no shortcuts. Many of Bollywood's most celebrated actors first found their voice, discipline, and emotional depth on stage before stepping into cinema.
Here's a curated list of actors across generations who carried the soul of theatre to the big screen.
Naseeruddin Shah
A stalwart of Indian theatre and parallel cinema, Naseeruddin Shah trained at the National School of Drama and FTII, Pune. He co-founded Motley Productions and performed extensively on stage before moving to films.
Known for his natural and layered performances in films like Masoom and A Wednesday, he is regarded as one of India's finest actors. In recognition of his contribution to cinema, he has been honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
Om Puri
A graduate of NSD and FTII, Om Puri built his craft in theatre, which gave his performances a raw, realistic edge. He began his film journey with Chor Chor Chhup Ja while also teaching at the Actors' Studio, and later made his mainstream debut with Ghashiram Kotwal (1976), adapted from Vijay Tendulkar's play.
Puri went on to become a key figure in parallel cinema with powerful performances in films like Ardh Satya, Mirch Masala, and Dharavi. His work extended beyond India to international projects in the UK and the US, and he was honoured in the In Memoriam segment at the 89th Academy Awards for his contribution to world cinema.
Supriya Pathak
Supriya Pathak began her career in theatre under her mother and theatre artist Dina Pathak with plays like Maina Gurjari, later moving to films with Kalyug (1981), which earned her recognition. She went on to deliver notable performances in Masoom, Bazaar, and Mirch Masala, while also gaining massive popularity on Television as well.
Her later roles in Wake Up Sid and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela further established her as a versatile and acclaimed actor. Ratna Pathak Shah is her sister, and she was married to veteran theatre actor Pankaj Kapur.
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Pankaj Kapur
Pankaj Kapur, an NSD graduate, began in theatre, performing and directing over 74 plays before moving to films with Arohan (1982). He became a key name in parallel cinema with Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Ek Doctor Ki Maut, and Maqbool, earning three National Film Awards.
A recipient of three National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award, he earned critical acclaim for roles like Inspector P.K. in Raakh and Abbaji in Maqbool. He also gained wide popularity on television with Karamchand and Office Office, while continuing his work as a director and writer.
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan developed a deep interest in acting through theatre in Jaipur before training at the National School of Drama, where he honed his craft through stage performances and early television work. He started with small roles like Salaam Bombay! but rose to fame with Haasil and Maqbool.
He went on to earn global acclaim with Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, Piku, and films like Life of Pi and Slumdog Millionaire. A Padma Shri awardee, he was also honoured at the Academy Awards for his contribution to world cinema.
Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee began his journey in Delhi theatre after moving from Bihar, training under Barry John despite multiple rejections from NSD, which shaped his intense and realistic acting style. He entered films with small roles but rose to fame with iconic roles like Bhiku Mhatre in Satya (1998), earning a National Award and critical acclaim for his portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre.
Over the years, he delivered powerful performances in Shool, Gangs of Wasseypur, Aligarh, and Bhonsle, winning multiple National and Filmfare Awards. Honoured with the Padma Shri, he continues to impress audiences with his versatile acting.
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Shah Rukh Khan
Before becoming Bollywood's biggest superstar, Shah Rukh Khan trained in theatre under Barry John's Theatre Action Group in Delhi and and trained at NSD. His early stage experience shaped his expressive style. He moved from TV (Fauji, Circus) to films with bold roles (Baazigar, Darr) before redefining romance with DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
From acclaimed films like Swades, Chak De! India, and My Name Is Khan to blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan, his range is unmatched. A Padma Shri awardee, he also leads Red Chillies Entertainment, shaping modern Bollywood as a producer.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
After graduating from NSD, Nawazuddin Siddiqui spent years doing theatre and small roles before his breakthrough. He began with small roles in films like Sarfarosh and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., gaining recognition with Black Friday and a breakthrough in Gangs of Wasseypur.
Known for his intense performances, he earned acclaim in films like The Lunchbox and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, along with global recognition through Sacred Games. A National Award-winning actor, his journey from struggle to stardom stands as one of Bollywood's most inspiring success stories.
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