A passion driven Theatre artist Manish Joshi is dedicated and determined artists working in the field of theatre and stage play. He has worked as an actor, director and script writer. Manish Joshi is also recognised for his work with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Award in 2016.

Manish Joshi is the Director and Secretary of Abhinaya Rangmanch, Hisar, Haryana, an esteemed theatre group, he co-founded with a close friend. A passionate theatre artist, Manish has dedicated his career to the performing arts, excelling as a playwright, director, and puppeteer. With a strong foundation in theatre, his career into the field was driven by his deep-rooted passion for storytelling and artistic expression.

Theatre director Manish Joshi originates from Hisar, Haryana—renowned as one of the state’s cleanest cities and a thriving center of business and entrepreneurship. Raised in a Marwari family with a strong business heritage, he grew up in an environment where financial success was highly esteemed. However, defying conventional family expectations, Manish gravitated toward the world of theatre and artistic expression. His deep passion for storytelling and performance distinguished him early on, with family members often noting his indifference to monetary pursuits. Choosing to follow his creative instincts, he forged a unique path in the realm of theatre.

Actor Manish Joshi shares that stepping into the field of art often raises numerous questions within a family such as the questions about opportunity, career scope, growth potential, and financial stability. He acknowledges that, at one point, he too struggled to find clear answers to these concerns. The uncertainty of an artistic career made it challenging to address these doubts. Even today, despite his dedication and achievements in theatre, he encounters people who, despite knowing about his work, still ask, "What exactly do you do?"

Theatre artist Manish Joshi explains that in the initial years of his career, explaining his work and its purpose to others was a significant challenge. Manish admits that he lacked the intellectual articulation needed to effectively convey the essence of his work and its impact. Over time, as he gained experience and a deeper understanding of his craft, he was able to express his vision more clearly.

Reflecting on his achievements, artist Manish Joshi shares that he never thought about awards when he started working in this field. However, he won the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Award in 2016 from Sangeet Natak Akademi for playwriting, which he considers as a major accomplishment. Recalling his decision to return to Hisar, Manish believes that he might not have received the recognition he has today, if he had continued working in Delhi. He further emphasizes that working with dedication and hard work in one’s own city can bring immense attention and encouragement.

Actor Manish Joshi then came up with the idea of expanding the reach of theatre to places that had never witnessed theatre performances before. This led to the initiation of "Theatre on Bikes." He and his team traveled approximately 18,000 kilometers on bikes, bringing theatre to remote locations in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. These areas were so isolated that even buses did not used to reach, yet they managed to take theatre there. The initiative garnered significant international recognition and acclaim. For the first time, a group of 7 to 8 actors performed theatrical plays directly within public spaces, not only providing entertainment but also raising awareness among the audience.

Theatre Artist Manish Joshi shares that he struggles with stammering while speaking, but has noticed that when he consciously decides not to, he can control his stammering. He attributes this strength to the transformative power of art. He believes that art surprises the artist first before it surprises others. Throughout his professional life, Manish Joshi has been amazed by his own capabilities, whether it’s creating a compelling visual or memorizing three pages of a script effortlessly. He emphasizes that art has the potential to unlock hidden strengths and redefine personal limitations.

Artist Manish Joshi recalls watching the play ‘Saiyan Bhaye Kotwal’, written by Gulshan Bhutani, which left a lasting impact on him. It was the first theatrical performance he ever watched, and the overwhelming appreciation from the audience fascinated him. Seeing the joy and enthusiasm of both the spectators and the actors on stage, he had a moment of realization that he, too, wanted to be a part of the world of theatre. This experience ignited his passion for performing arts and set him on the path toward his career in theatre.

Play director Manish Joshi shares that after watching ‘Saiyan Bhaye Kotwal’, he approached Gulshan Bhutani and expressed his desire to work with him. However, he was initially rejected due to his stammering, as clear speech is a crucial skill in theatre. While this could have been a discouraging experience, he chose to view it positively. Over time, he developed a strong bond with Mr. Bhutani and often reflects on that moment, acknowledging that if he hadn’t been rejected then, he might not have pushed himself to grow in the field. This setback became a turning point that fueled his determination to succeed in theatre.

Theatre Play Writer Manish Joshi shares that after getting rejected, he read ‘Kabuliwala’, a story by Rabindranath Tagore, during his school days. He practiced narrating it in front of a mirror, carefully observing whether he stammered. To his surprise, while performing the story, he spoke fluently. Encouraged by this discovery, he invited his friends to listen and enacted the story as a play. Throughout the entire performance, he did not stammer even once. This moment became a significant realization for him, he had memorized and performed a full story without hesitation, which Manish considers his first play and a turning point in his life toward theatre.

After enrolling in college, Manish Joshi took part in a youth festival, marking his entry into theatre. There, National School of Drama (NSD) graduate Sushil Chhabra recognized his talent and cast him in a major role, noting, “You might stammer in real life, but you don’t stammer while acting.” This insight proved transformative, affirming Manish’s confidence on stage. While stammering remained a challenge in daily life, it never affected his performances. He went on to actively participate in theatre productions in Hisar, steadily refining his craft and deepening his commitment to the performing arts.

However, over time, Script writer Manish Joshi noticed that the theatre audience in Hisar was relatively small. Determined to refine his craft and expand his reach, he began working with Rajeev Manchanda, a passionate theatre artist who is no longer with us. Under Late Rajeev’s guidance, Artist Manish learned that being an actor is not just about performing, it requires the ability to read, observe, and react to the environment around them. This realization deepened his understanding that theatre is not merely an art form but a fusion of multiple elements and disciplines.

While working with the late Rajeev Manchanda, Manish also developed a growing interest in directing. Seeing the limited audience for theatre in Hisar, he became determined to change the narrative. His passion extended beyond acting, he wanted to attract and engage Hisar audience with the magic of theatre, ensuring that more people appreciated and connected with this powerful art form.

Theatre artist Manish Joshi staged the play ‘Pagal Kaun’, which ran successfully for three consecutive days, with a houseful audience each day. The overwhelming response was a milestone in his life. After the show, someone suggested that he should undergo formal training in theatre and acting to further enhance his skills and competency.

Initially, Manish was skeptical, questioning what more there was to learn. However, upon attending the training, he realized the vast depth of theatre and acting. It became clear to him that despite being well-known and receiving appreciation for their work, the quality of their performances could be significantly improved. This realization marked a turning point, pushing him to strive for higher artistic excellence.

Writer Manish Joshi went to Himachal for a year-long theatre training program. However, upon returning, he faced numerous struggles and challenges. He was determined to create a dedicated space for theatre performances but encountered significant financial constraints and lacked external funding or support.

Meanwhile, his family urged him to take up a conventional job. His father, who owned a flour and pulse mill, suggested that he take over the family business. However, just as the pressure to join the business intensified, an unexpected tragedy struck, the mill caught fire and burned down completely. With the business coming to an abrupt end, his family faced severe financial difficulties. At that moment, they all found themselves on the same level of struggle, without any financial backing.

On a friend's suggestion, Theatre artist Manish Joshi moved to Delhi to explore opportunities in theatre. There, he worked in various theatres and shows, collaborating with different artists. He shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of theatre is finding like-minded individuals who share the same passion and mindset.

However, performing in Delhi came with its own set of challenges. The high cost of auditoriums made it difficult to stage plays, and he initially struggled to attract an audience. Over time, he connected with people who believed in him, and with mutual trust, he managed to stage a show with 60 to 65 people. This marked the beginning of his recognition in Delhi’s theatre circuit

After sometime Play writer Manish Joshi started Working at Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon which proved to be a significant phase in his career. With a well-paying job, it brought a sense of security and stability to his family, easing their concerns about his career in theatre.

During his time there, Manish gained invaluable experience, particularly in the use of technology in theatre productions. Witnessing the integration of advanced techniques in stagecraft opened his eyes to new possibilities, making him realize that theatre could evolve beyond traditional methods. This exposure further broadened his perspective on how performances could be enhanced through innovation.

The turning point for Owner of Abhinaya Rangmanch, Manish Joshi, came during a conference at the India Habitat Centre, where he heard a powerful statement: "If you want to be national, first be regional."

The remark deeply resonated with Manish Joshi. Although he aspired to succeed on the national stage, he recognized that his journey needed to begin at the regional level. At the time, he was employed in a corporate role, disconnected from active theatre work. This realization prompted him to reassess his path—while he was gaining experience, it lacked the creative fulfillment he sought. Motivated by this insight, he resolved to launch his own theatre productions, focusing on developing a strong regional presence as the foundation for broader recognition.

After this realization, Artist Manish Joshi made a bold decision to quit his job and return to Hisar, his hometown, to pursue his passion for theatre. This decision, however, came at a challenging time in his life. Around the same period, he also got married, which raised concerns within his family. They questioned his choice to leave a stable job and move back to Hisar, a place with limited theatre opportunities.

Play Writer Manish recalls a significant discussion he had regarding this move. He firmly believed that while many people were already working in Delhi, very few were focusing on Hisar. He expressed his thoughts to his wife by saying: "Delhi has enough people working in theatre, but in Hisar, there is a need and we need Hisar." This deep sense of responsibility toward his hometown fueled his motivation to build something meaningful in Hisar, despite the uncertainty ahead.

Returning to Hisar, Theatre artist Manish Joshi embarked on a new professional life to rebuild and commercialize theatre in his hometown.

He firmly believes that every passion and art form requires financial support to sustain itself. He illustrates this with an example: "A painter needs money to buy a canvas, colors, and brushes. Similarly, theatre needs funds for resources like booking an auditorium and managing production costs." Beyond just funding theatre, he also acknowledges the financial responsibilities toward his family. He realized that if he could successfully turn his passion into a profession, it would be the most fulfilling achievement of his life.

Stage director Manish Joshi dedicated himself wholeheartedly to establishing a commercial theatre culture in Hisar. He worked closely with his friend Manoj Bansal, whom he considers a pillar of strength in his life.

Together, they put in relentless efforts to create a demand for theatre in Hisar, ensuring that people saw theatre as an essential and engaging form of entertainment. They introduced regular shows and pioneered the ticket culture in Hisar.

Artist Manish proudly shares that one of the most rewarding aspects is that people in Hisar willingly buy tickets to watch theatre performances, a significant achievement in a place where theatre was not commercialised.

While discussing his venture, Manish Joshi recalls that they established Abhinaya Rangmanch with a well-structured infrastructure, which has now become a model followed by others in different regions. He recalled a meeting with around 200 people in Hisar, where they discussed their vision and future plans. With a strong purpose, they began working towards inviting lesser-known performers to provide them with a platform and bring diverse theatrical experiences to the audience.

They launched the Rang Angan Theatre Festival in Hisar in 2016, running it for 21 days. During this festival, he observed that many talented artists from remote areas were often overlooked due to a lack of popularity and industry connections. These artists, despite their skills and dedication, were rarely invited to perform at major events, motivating him to create a platform that welcomed and showcased such hidden talent.

Artist Manish Joshi and his team organized multiple shows for performers, ensuring that every artist who participated had the opportunity to showcase their talent across various performances. He emphasizes that their theatre group is a self-sustaining entity, firmly established in Hisar. He highlights they have successfully demonstrated that theatre can be financially viable, proving that with hard work, innovation, and a fresh approach, one can sustain and thrive in this field.

He further addresses those who believe that there is no financial stability in the arts, emphasizing that every profession requires dedication and consistent effort. He explains that any field demands a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of daily commitment to achieve success. He points out that many individuals in the arts do not practice regularly or invest enough time in theatre, which hinders their growth.

Stage actor Manish Joshi reinforces that if one truly wants to sustain in this field and transform passion into a profession, they must dedicate at least 8 hours a day to their craft—just like in any other profession. Theatre is not an exception; it requires the same level of discipline, hard work, and commitment as any other career.

He further highlights that many individuals enter the field of acting after feeling exhausted or stressed from their studies, assuming that acting is an easy escape with no pressure of grades or scores. However, he emphasizes that this perception is far from reality.

Manish explains that acting demands even more effort, dedication, and hard work than many other fields. It is not just about performing on stage but also about continuous learning, practice, and perseverance

Playwright Manish Joshi considers theatre his primary medium of expression and has authored a diverse body of work, with a particular focus on biographical plays centered on prominent historical and political figures. His notable productions include Agradoot, based on the life of Maharaja Agrasen; RangTagore, inspired by the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore; Aao Mann Ki Ghate Khole, which explores the poetic and political journey of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee; and Dastaan-Ae-Ronaat, a large-scale production honoring the unsung heroes of the 1857 uprising from Haryana—a work he regards as one of his most significant.

He believes that biographies offer a unique source of inspiration for writing, as they allow him to explore the depths of human resilience, leadership, and struggle. He encourages anyone interested in these works to read and engage with them, as they provide valuable insights into history and leadership.

Currently, they are working on the play "Dastaan-Ae-Ambala," which reflects the history, stating that the revolution started in Ambala before Meerut.

Theatre artist Manish further emphasizes that every mistake provides a valuable lesson and learning, but it should be new each time so that one can continuously grow. Sharing his own experience as a theatre artist, he mentions that regular practice often involves making mistakes, which are essential for improvement.

Recalling a specific instance, director Manish shares a mistake he made during the play "Hum Toh Aise Hi Hai," which had already been performed 100 times. When they had a show in Jabalpur, he and his team became overconfident, believing that rehearsals were unnecessary since they had performed the play so many times. However, this lack of preparation resulted in a poor performance, teaching them a crucial lesson about the importance of continuous practice, no matter how experienced one becomes.

Stage artist Manish Joshi shares that there is rarely a moment when he is not engaged in or thinking about theatre—whether it's planning for the future or deciding what to do next. He describes theatre as a freelance profession where one must constantly start over and reinvent.

However, when he feels exhausted or experiences burnout, he takes a break to recharge. During these times, he enjoys listening to music, practicing meditation, and visiting Rishikesh. He also values spending time with his friends and traveling, which helps him regain energy and inspiration.

Sharing his perspective, play writer Manish Joshi describes that as human beings, we must keep working continuously without stressing about the outcome or result. However, he clarifies that working without stressing over the outcome does not mean that there won’t be a positive result.

He beautifully illustrates this with an example, stating that if you plant a seed in the right place and nurture it with continuous effort and care, it will eventually bear fruit at the right time and season. On the other hand, if you plant a seed in the wrong place or fail to provide it with sufficient water and care, it will not yield any fruit.

Manish encourages the younger generation and aspiring artists to work hard and stay focused in the right direction. He further suggests that people should visit theatre plays in their local areas, bring their children along, and not restrict them from exploring different arts, as it might be the one thing they truly excel in.