Ms. Marvel’s Mohan Kapoor talks Hollywood, Bollywood and returning to theatre.
Actors Mohan Kapoor and Vidya Malavade are returning to theater with their new play Merry Go Round, which will be staged in Mumbai.
At a time when streaming platforms and big-ticket spectacles dominate the conversation around entertainment, actors Mohan Kapoor and Vidya Malavade are betting on live theatre.
The pair are currently preparing for their stage production merry go roundWhich was staged on 18 April in Mumbai. The play is said to be a blend of drama, comedy, music and an intense social undercurrent, set against the backdrop of a big Indian wedding. But beyond the spectacle, both the actors see theater as a medium that is quietly, but steadily, evolving in India.
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Mohan Kapoor on rediscovering the craft
For Kapoor, returning to theater after almost a decade is less about nostalgia and more about re-evaluation. He said, “The moment rehearsals started, I realized I had gone back to the drawing board of performing. No matter the medium, the craft remains the same, but theater forces you to discipline your fundamentals. It trains you.”
Unlike a film set, where retakes, camera angles and editing can enhance a performance, stage acting offers no such safety net.
He said, “It’s a one-take show. You start and you finish. It’s your job to put everything together in between. It’s both scary and exciting.”
hollywood vs bollywood
Kapoor’s entry with marvel universe Ms Marvel By his own admission, it was almost accidental.
“I didn’t even have a portfolio ready,” he recalls with a laugh.
Despite being unfamiliar with the process of headshots and showreels, it was his manager who pushed him to audition. He said, “I came into this industry by chance and things kept falling into place. I never thought of packing myself into something like this.”
He eventually got cast after the audition, but the journey turned out to be a big lesson for the actor. He said, “You realize that no matter where you go, even in Hollywood, you have to prove yourself and prove yourself for every role. There are no shortcuts.”
Having worked internationally, including in the Marvel Universe, Kapoor is often asked about the differences between Hollywood and the Indian film industry. His answer takes away the glamour.
“The art of performing is exactly the same. The differences lie in the ecosystem, bigger budgets, better preparation time and a more structured approach to collaboration,” he said.
The actor explained that in Hollywood, table readings and rehearsals are integral to the process, allowing actors to know their characters more deeply before even stepping onto the set. He added, “There’s a certain seriousness to the way things are looked at.”
However, Kapoor quickly rejected the idea that global exposure automatically translates into reach. Underscoring the importance of persistence over perception, he said, “You need work, representation and patience. This is not something that happens overnight.”
theater in india
Despite frequent claims that theater is a dying art, Kapoor strongly disagrees. “It’s not going away, it’s not talked about enough. In fact, it’s doing better than it was 20 years ago,” he said.
He attributed this change to the growing ecosystem of independent creators and smaller productions. “Just as streaming platforms opened doors for new voices, theater is seeing a similar wave. Smaller groups are performing in intimate spaces, telling stories that don’t require grand stages,” he said.
According to him, development lies in diversity. “Every story has its own scale. Some demand 800 seats, some work best with 20 people in a room. That’s the beauty of it,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that infrastructure remains a challenge. “We need more space, more investment, and stronger support for writers and new voices across all departments,” he said.
Theater is like a moving meditation: Vidya Malavade
For Malavade, returning to the stage has been physically and emotionally challenging, but deeply gratifying.
She said, “This is the first time I’m performing on such a large theatrical scale and it’s nerve-wracking. But the connection with the audience is magical. That’s what you take back as an artiste.”
He described theater as a cure for the heaviness of the current world. The actor further added, “Everything around us seems very serious. Theater gives people a few hours of enjoyment, it is a short but meaningful escape.”
“You can’t afford to get carried away. If you think about a mistake you made five seconds ago, you’ll miss your next cue. For me, it’s like a moving meditation, two hours of being completely in the moment,” she said.
Both artists highlight the energy that young artists bring to the stage. Malavade notes his “immense confidence”, while Kapoor emphasizes the importance of discipline.
Kapoor said, “There is immense talent in various fields today. But this art requires patience. You have to read, observe and constantly learn, not only from films but also from theatre.”
merry go round in mumbai
In contrast to the chaos and charm of a big Indian wedding, merry go round A blend of comedy, dance and drama with a subtle social message. “It’s fun, it’s high-energy, it’s entertaining but there’s an undercurrent that you can’t miss,” Malvade said.
Meanwhile, Kapoor is taking on one of his most unexpected challenges in drama, dance. He said, “I haven’t danced for more than three decades. But once I overcame the fear, I started enjoying it. And that’s the key, if you’re enjoying, the audience will also enjoy.”