Vrajesh Hirjee opens up about fears and love for theatre

Vrajesh Hirjee Reflects on Theatre, Comedy, and the Actor’s Persistent Fear of Irrelevance

For actor Vrajesh Hirjee, the journey in entertainment has been a fulfilling one, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Speaking candidly about the mental toll of the industry, Hirjee admitted to grappling with moments of self-doubt during career lulls. "There could possibly be periods of time when you’re out of work, and you’re asking yourself as a performer, ‘Am I not good enough? Have I lost it? Why is my phone not ringing?’" he shared, adding that such fears, while daunting, don’t last forever.

Theatre as a Space for Growth

Despite his work across film, television, and audio, Hirjee’s love for the stage remains unwavering. He describes theatre as riyaaz—a space for constant unlearning and relearning. "The theatre is where I unlearn and relearn," he said, crediting Aadyam Theatre for enriching the industry and his craft.

Hirjee is currently performing in Aadyam Theatre’s Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala, a play directed by Mohit Takalkar, where he takes on multiple roles. The challenge of portraying two contrasting characters, one of whom is not comedic, has been a rewarding experience for the actor. "Mohit has been firmly insistent on finding the truth of both the characters I play, even in their funniest moments," Hirjee explained.

Comedy: The Toughest Test

Known for his comedic prowess, Hirjee believes comedy is the most demanding genre for an actor. "In the absence of honesty, there can be no comedy. Better, in my opinion, not to ‘perform’ it because comedy just is," he said. The actor also revealed that audience reactions during live performances, such as in Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala, are nerve-wracking but ultimately fulfilling when they resonate.

Moving Beyond Stereotypes

While Hirjee is widely recognized for his comedic roles, he rejects the notion of being pigeonholed. "At one point in my career, it used to bother me, but no, it doesn’t anymore," he said, pointing to his diverse body of work, including non-comedic roles in Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala.

Embracing Highs and Lows

Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, Hirjee acknowledged its physical and emotional toll but emphasized the importance of resilience. "The thing is to learn to embrace [the fear] and flow with it," he said. For him, the belief that talent will eventually be recognized serves as a guiding principle.

At 55, Hirjee continues to stay active and adventurous, balancing his professional commitments with personal wellness. Whether it’s climbing hills with his son or preparing for a scuba diving trip to the Ring of Fire, he credits his outdoorsy lifestyle for keeping him grounded and fit.

For Hirjee, the journey remains about one thing: the love for acting, regardless of the medium or the challenges it brings. "All I’ve ever wanted to do is act," he said—a sentiment that continues to define his career.

Source: Indian Express