Filmmaker Kabir Khan believes theatre remains one of the most valuable training grounds for actors, offering them the opportunity to sharpen their craft, develop confidence and understand the fundamentals of performance. Speaking about the importance of theatre and its relevance in an evolving entertainment industry, the director emphasised that while acting for the stage and the camera requires different approaches, the foundation of the craft remains the same. His comments underline why theatre continues to play a crucial role in shaping performers, even as cinema and OTT platforms dominate the entertainment landscape.
Explaining why he considers theatre essential for actors, Kabir said, “I think theatre is an excellent training ground because it is easily accessible, unlike the film industry. For an actor, it serves as a fantastic platform—a space where you can truly hone your craft. While the approach to acting differs between theatre and film, the fundamental craft remains the same. Therefore, I believe theatre is a must for every actor; it truly makes a significant difference.” According to the filmmaker, theatre provides aspiring performers with an accessible space to experiment, learn and improve without necessarily having to wait for an opportunity in the film industry.
When asked whether he personally prefers working with actors who have a theatre background, Kabir clarified that it is not a strict criterion, although such experience can offer reassurance to filmmakers. “It’s not necessarily a strict preference, but when I hear that an actor has a background in theatre, it instils a certain level of confidence. You can be assured that they possess at least a foundational level of skill. Theatre provides an actor with a sense of confidence that is absolutely crucial. An actor might have a great command of their craft, but without that underlying confidence, they won't be able to project it effectively. So, knowing that an actor has theatre experience gives us, as creators, more confidence in them,” he explained. His response highlighted how stage experience can help performers develop the assurance needed to bring their abilities to the screen.
Kabir also addressed concerns about the challenges facing theatre at a time when the demands of big-screen performances are evolving and the stage itself is navigating its own difficulties. The director expressed confidence that theatre would continue to survive because of its fundamental simplicity and accessibility. “I believe theatre is a medium that will never disappear. After all, what do you really need for theatre? Nothing—you can simply stand somewhere, and a performance space is created. Look at street theatre, for instance. As long as you have a story to tell and actors to tell it, you can always create theatre. It doesn't require extensive resources. Film, on the other hand, is a medium that demands significant resources—funding, equipment, and so on. Theatre, however, is simply about a story and actors; even a single actor is enough to tell a story,” he said. His perspective places storytelling and performance at the heart of theatre, regardless of the scale of the production.
Known for directing films that draw on real events, sports and human resilience, Kabir has several projects in the pipeline. One of his upcoming ventures is Silkyara 41, an Indo-Australian survival drama inspired by the November 2023 rescue operation that brought 41 workers to safety after they became trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. The film is being developed by Aamir Khan Productions, Kabir Khan Films and Mind Blowing Films, with Australian screenwriter Andrew Anastasios attached to the project. The story centres on the rescue effort and the international expertise involved in the mission, including that of Australian tunnelling expert Professor Arnold Dix. The project aims to bring an extraordinary real-life episode of determination and cooperation to the screen.
Kabir is also associated with an upcoming sports-adventure film featuring Kartik Aaryan, reuniting the actor and director following Chandu Champion. The project has been described as an ambitious sports-driven drama, with Vicky Kaushal also linked to the film. As Kabir continues to explore stories for the big screen, his remarks about theatre offer insight into the acting fundamentals he values as a filmmaker. For him, technology, budgets and platforms may change, but the essence of performance remains rooted in an actor's ability to tell a story and connect with an audience. And that, he believes, is precisely why theatre will always matter.