After two decades, Abhishek Banerjee is returning to his theatrical roots with a solo satirical comedy, Tu Kya Hai. The play will be staged in Mumbai later this month, reuniting Banerjee with his original theatre group.
Banerjee, known for his roles in films like Stree, Bhediya, and Dream Girl, began his artistic journey in Delhi's theatre scene before transitioning to Bollywood and OTT platforms. Tu Kya Hai marks a personal homecoming for the actor, who calls theatre his "first love".
Tu Kya Hai is a satirical take on the struggles of aspiring artists. It explores the challenges, absurdities, and moments of reflection that come with chasing artistic dreams. The play touches on ambition, self-esteem, and societal pressures, all delivered with humor across three chapters. These chapters delve into a typical middle-class Indian family's perception of art as a hobby, the chaotic hustle of Mumbai's entertainment industry, and the internal battles with ambition and self-doubt.
Banerjee describes the play as deeply personal, reflecting his own life and the universal experience of self-doubt. He recalls the late-night whispers of "Tu Kya Hai?" ("Who are you?") that haunt those who question their path. For Banerjee, returning to the stage with his old friends feels like "closing a circle or maybe starting a new one".
In a statement to Mumbai Mirror, Banerjee said, "Theatre is where I learnt to breathe as an artiste. It taught me rhythm, truth, and how to fail without fear. For the last 20 years, my journey has been about chasing roles, telling stories, and building a career in cinema, but somewhere, the stage kept calling me back".
Tu Kya Hai promises to be an introspective and humorous exploration of the artist's journey, blending comedy with social critique. The play invites audiences to confront the question of identity and the pursuit of dreams.
Alongside his theatre comeback, Banerjee is also involved in upcoming film projects such as Section 84 with Amitabh Bachchan and Mirzapur: The Film with Pankaj Tripathi.
