The Zee Theatre Big Fat City by Mahesh Dattani narrates the hectic and stressful life in Mumbai and the people who are stuck in the cycle of unmet needs and desires. Right from his first play Where There's a Will which was released in 1986, playwright and director Mahesh Dattani brought modern Indian real stories to theatre and approached everyday issues and relationships with a new perspective.
Shilpa Shukla's Journey with Mahesh Dattani- Learning, Growth, In 'Big Fat City':
Shilpa Shukla who features in Mahesh Dattani's teleplay 'Big Fat City' recently shared about an opportunity to work with him. Shilpa says, 'When he called me for 'Big Fat City’, I couldn't believe it and it has been such a learning turn in my life. I'm now able to love the craft a lot more. There is no monotony around it. Words can't describe how much I learned from him, his observations on life, and his whole being. As a teacher he is fabulous. He has mentored so many students and he is really like a treasure for us. There are very few people like him.' Shilpa Shukla is a well-known film, theatre, OTT, and television actor she is overjoyed that she got an opportunity to work with Dattani.
Exploring 'Rasas' in 'Big Fat City'- Shilpa Shukla Discusses Humour and Macabre:
Shilpa while talking about 'Big Fat City' acknowledge how Dattani has managed to encapsulate 'rasas' like 'Hasya' (humour) and 'Vibhatsa' (macabre) in the play.
Meet Lolly: Shilpa Shukla Talks About Her Complex Character in 'Big Fat City:
While talking about the character Lolly she is playing in 'Big Fat City' Shilpa says, 'She is an ageing actor who is now replaceable but her entire lifestyle is so elaborate that she doesn't know how to lead a simple life anymore. To hold onto the image that she has, she gets embroiled in a drug- deal. But how far can you go without taking any accountability? It's not a very likeable character, I would say. But I think a person like her could exist in a city like Mumbai.'
Written and directed by Mahesh Dattani, 'Big Fat City' also features Bhavna Pani, Mansi Multani, Nissar Khan, Sid Makkar, Anuj Guruwara and Deepal Doshi. Watch it on 20th Feb 2024 on Airtel Spotlight, Dish TV Rangmanch Active, and D2H Rangmanch Active