Arts & Entertainment

Vishwajit Shinde, Discovered His Passion for Theater and Transitioned to Performing Arts to Establish Himself as a Successful Artist

Actor, Director & Head of Performing Arts, Aga Khan Academymumbai

It is either ‘one day’ or ‘day one’.
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It is either ‘one day’ or ‘day one’.
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Having initially tread the path of civil engineering, Vishwajit later found a profound love for theatre, leading him to gracefully pivot towards the captivating realm of performing arts. His counsel resonates with a universal call, encouraging every individual to delve into the world of theatre, whether as a pastime or a profession.

Vishwajit Shinde assumes the role of Actor, Director and Head of Performing Arts at The Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, where he not only leads the institution but also imparts knowledge in Theater and Film Studies to the students under his tutelage.

While employed as a civil engineer for two years, Vishwajit's heart gravitated toward theatre. This realisation prompted a wholehearted commitment to the performing arts, where he has thrived over the past eight years. During this time, he not only established a distinctive identity in the industry but also assumed the role of an educator, imparting the nuances of performing arts to aspiring students. His artistic footprint extends globally, gracing national and international theatre stages, presenting diverse performances in regional languages, and leaving an indelible mark as a producer of several films.

Coming from the enchanting Latur District in Maharashtra, Vishwajit's educational journey took root in Dombivali, culminating in a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Pune, Maharashtra. Following a brief stint in the corporate world lasting two to three years, he orchestrated a pivotal career shift toward the captivating world of Performing Arts. This transition, though unexpected for someone initially trained as a civil engineer, mirrors Vishwajit's resilience and passion.

Vishwajit’s childhood memories unveil a shy demeanour, steering clear of cultural events until a teacher's insistence thrust him into the public eye. School days witnessed a transformative journey as he shed his introverted tendencies, actively participating in various public events.

Reflecting on his early years, Vishwajit fondly recalls the mischief and joy of his childhood in Latur. As a spirited youngster, he found delight in revelling in the carefree days of youth. One vivid memory stands out—an episode from his youth where he watched his grandfather take on the regal persona of a king in his own drama company. Though he merely laughed at the time, these recollections now connect him deeply to his early fascination with the world of drama.

College life initially led him away from the performing arts, but discontent with his studies propelled him back into the limelight, this time through street plays. Despite encountering numerous challenges, Vishwajit's unwavering determination fueled his artistic pursuits. Pune's streets bore witness to his talents in nearly a hundred street plays, culminating in his entry into Swatantra Theater during his third year of college.

Vishwajit shares the uphill battle he faced to pursue a theatrical career, engaging in a tug of war with his parents. Given just a year to prove himself, he took the courageous step of leaving home, abandoning a lucrative job to immerse himself in the realm of theatre. Embarking on this artistic pursuit meant downsizing to a modest living space, yet the sacrifices bore fruit.

Balancing triumphs with tribulations, Vishwajit recalls abandoning financial security to pursue his passion. The decision led to a meagre income initially, but the subsequent threefold increase in earnings stands as a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Recognizing his early realisation of a passion for theatre and subsequent career shift as noteworthy achievements, he takes pride in the journey's transformative nature.

Asked about his role models, Vishwajit pays tribute to his theatre education under the 'Guru-Shishya Parampara,' with his teacher Abhijeet Chaudhary serving as a guiding light. Inspired by his teacher's patience and mentorship, he also looks up to Lord Shiva for divine energy and teachings.

Poetry holds a special place in Vishwajit's life, drawing inspiration from the works of Harivansh Rai Bachchan. He also looks up to Manoj Bajpayee. The poem 'Krishna ki Chetavani' resonates deeply in his heart, serving as a perpetual motivator for him to forge ahead.

Offering advice to budding theatre artists, Vishwajit, once an aspiring performer himself, advocates for joining a theatre group as the initial step. He encourages them to embrace smaller roles, recognizing the transformative power of immersive experiences in honing their craft.

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Watch the inspiring story of a Theater Artist Vishwajit Shinde

Get to Know About Vishwajit Shinde, Actor, Director and Head of Performing Arts at The Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka. Get to know how he also imparts knowledge in Theater and Film Studies to the students under his tutelage.