Samarya Creation Global Private Limited, in collaboration with Working Panda Films, has announced the launch of ‘Curtain Call’, a new podcast series that brings the rich, often unseen world of Indian theatre to the digital forefront.

Hosted by actor Aahana Kumra, the series premieres today on YouTube and promises candid, in-depth conversations with some of the country’s most respected stage artists.

According to a press release issued by the creators, ‘Curtain Call’ is conceived as an intimate, unscripted space where theatre directors, actors, playwrights and technicians reflect on their personal journeys, creative struggles and defining moments on stage. The podcast aims to spotlight the depth and diversity of Indian theatre, offering audiences a closer look at the people who have shaped its legacy over decades.

Each episode features free-flowing conversations that explore the evolution of Indian stagecraft, the discipline and passion that theatre demands, and its enduring influence on cinema and popular culture. The series is positioned not just as a talk show, but as a living archive that documents stories which have largely remained within rehearsal rooms and backstage corridors.

Season one spans 10 episodes and brings together an impressive line-up of theatre stalwarts and performers. Among them are Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, co-founders of Motley Productions and towering figures in Indian theatre; experimental theatre pioneer Makarand Deshpande; actor-directors Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak; and seasoned performers Suchitra Pillai and Joy Sengupta. The season also features voices from a newer generation, including Pratik Gandhi and Bhamini Oza Gandhi, alongside actors such as Amrita Subhash, Sandesh Kulkarni, Amol Parashar and Priyanshu Painyuli, reflecting the continuity of theatrical traditions across generations.

The opening episode features Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, who speak about their individual journeys into theatre, the founding of Motley Productions in 1977, and their philosophy of choosing and directing plays. The conversation offers rare insights into over four decades of commitment to the stage and the values that continue to guide their work.

Speaking about the series, Aahana Kumra said theatre shaped her identity as an artist and Curtain Call is her way of honouring the masters who paved the way. She described the podcast as an attempt to celebrate the entire ecosystem of theatre and to preserve its stories for audiences who may not have experienced live performance firsthand.

From a production standpoint, ‘Curtain Call’ also reflects Samarya Creation’s focus on combining storytelling with digital strategy. Founder Manoj Agarwal noted that the series is envisioned as a complete theatrical universe, supported by data-led audience engagement and multimedia amplification, to ensure these conversations reach theatre lovers in India and beyond.

With its focus on authenticity, legacy and cultural preservation, ‘Curtain Call’ sets out to give Indian theatre the spotlight it deserves, one conversation at a time.