Every year March 27 is celebrated worldwide as 'World Theatre Day'. The beginning of cinema is believed to be from theatre. Before the arrival of the first film Raja Harishchandra in India in the year 1913, 'theatre' was the only medium connecting the artist and the audience.

It was Shakespeare who said – The world is a stage… and our artists lived up to this statement. The foundation of Indian cinema was laid by a seasoned artist of theatre. After which actors like Prithviraj Kapoor, Girish Karnad and Utpal Dutt took it forward generation after generation.

Prithviraj Kapoor

The history of both Indian cinema and Indian theatre would not be complete without the inclusion of the names of these legendary actors. Prithviraj Kapoor was one of the founding members of the Indian People's theatre  Association (IPTA) and also the founder of Prithvi Theatre, which has been the center of Mumbai's theater activities. theatre dominated his real life so much that he used to speak dialogues in a very loud voice even in films.

One of Prithviraj Kapoor's plays, Pathan, was first staged in 1947. He used to talk about Hindu Muslim unity even at that time, when partition riots were ravaging the country. It is said that 600 shows are running in theatres of this play. Aai Deewar in 1945 was one of his famous plays.

Balraj Sahni

Originally from Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan), Balraj Sahni's first wife Damayanti was a renowned theater actress. He started his career as an actor with the Indian People's Theatre Association and rose to fame with plays like Zubeidaa and The Inspector General. His theater experience came in handy in films as well. Zubeida and Jaadu Ki Kursi were important among his popular plays.

Om Puri

Om Puri started life as a theatre actor in Punjab in the 60s. He was part of the Punjab Kala Manch headed by Harpal Tiwana. He was a part of several plays like The Father by August Strindberg, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, The Misunderstanding by Albert Camus. He joined the National School of Drama in New Delhi in 1970. In 1977, he formed a theater group named Majma in Mumbai. This group was active till 1986. When Prithvi Theatre was inaugurated in 1978, his production of Govind Deshpande's Udemt Dharamshala performed there in the evening. His most famous play as an actor was Ghasiram Kotwal, in which he played the lead role.

Naseeruddin Shah

Naseeruddin Shah is the Founder and Creative Director of Motley Fool Theatre Group. He has been associated with theatre for the last 40 years. His plays like Waiting for Godot, The Lesson, Julius Caesar, Dear Liar, Katha Collage, A Walk in the Woods, Kambakkht Absolutely Aurat were very popular. Along with acting in theatre, he has also worked as a director and producer.

Amol Palekar

Amol Palekar, who won the hearts of Hindi film audiences as a humble common man in films like Gol Maal, Chhoti Si Baat and Rajnigandha, started doing experimental theater with Satyadev Dubey in the late 60s. Later he formed his own theater group Aniket. His nuanced approach to plays like Chup! Court Chalu Hai, Aadha Adhure brought him a lot of fame. Sadly, after becoming popular in films, he bid adieu to the world of theatre.Although he made a comeback a few years ago.

Anupam Kher

The academy had earlier refused to give admission to Anupam Kher, who was the president of NSD. But in his second attempt he passed with good marks and later graduated with a gold medal. His role as an elderly father in his very first film Saaransh (1984) got him applause and he never looked back. Along with films, he further sharpened his acting in theatre.

Irrfan khan

Irrfan Khan was a veteran film actor, he also took acting training from NSD. Seeing his talent, he was also given a scholarship there. After moving to Mumbai, Irrfan remained associated with films as well as his drama troupe. As soon as he got time, he would also be seen on the stage.

Shabana Azmi

Winner of 5 times National and Filmfare Awards, Shabana Azmi is one of the best Indian theatre actors. Apart from her roles in films, she also acted in plays like Tumhari Amrita, Safed Kundli.

Pankaj Kapur

One of the most veteran actors in India, Pankaj Kapur has worked in both commercial and parlor cinema. He is also a passout from NSD and has shown his acting prowess in many plays as well.

Manoj Bajpayee

Before portraying memorable characters like Bhikhu Mhatre and Sardar Khan, Manoj Bajpayee tried three times to get into NSD but was disappointed all the three times. He continued to hone his talent and attended Barry John's workshops. Theatre is so ingrained in them that it can be seen even in films.

Shah Rukh Khan

The Badshah of Bollywood also had a career in theater before making his debut on the silver screen. He was a student of NSD and was associated with Theatre Action Group of Delhi.

Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao is one of the most talented actors of this era who has given brilliant performances in Trapped and Newton. Before joining films, he was associated with Kshitij Theatre Group and Shri Ram Centre.