The city of Lucknow witnessed a remarkable theatrical milestone this week as veteran actor Anil Rastogi, at the age of 82, performed in his 100th play. A self-made artist with no formal training, Rastogi's journey is a unique tapestry woven from a successful career as a scientist and an enduring passion for the stage.
A Centenary Celebration on Stage
The coveted landmark was achieved with the play "Beyond The Curtain", organized by Darpan at the UP Sangeet Natak Akademi on Monday. The play itself was a poignant reflection of Rastogi's own life. Inspired by the Russian one-act play 'Swan Song' and adapted by Yash Yogi, it revolved around an aging actor reminiscing about his past. Directed by Muskan Goswami, the narrative seamlessly blended Rastogi's personal and professional journey.
The performance began with Rastogi recalling his younger days, followed by enactments of key scenes from his prolific career. Actor Ambrish Bobby portrayed the younger version of Rastogi. The production was enriched with a short film and photographs showcasing his dual life—his work at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), his forays into Bollywood, and his indelible contributions to theatre.
From Laboratory to Limelight: The Rastogi Saga
Born and brought up in Lucknow, Anil Rastogi completed his graduation and post-graduation from Lucknow University. His tryst with acting began at 18, inspired by watching plays and encouraged by his maternal uncle, Tony Babu, who introduced him to theatre circles. While pursuing higher education in science, he persistently sought a break in theatre, finally landing a major role in 1961 in the play 'Noor Jahan'.
In a pivotal year, 1962, Rastogi was appointed as a scientist at CDRI in Lucknow and also married Sudha, whom he credits as the cornerstone of his acting career. "The motivation to act, helping me in learning dialogues and choosing plays is done by my wife," Rastogi revealed. His artistic education was further honed in 1964 under the guidance of Rajeshwar Bachchan.
Striking a balance between his profession and passion required immense dedication. He recalls memorizing lengthy dialogues for plays like 'Yahudi Ki Ladki' and tackling challenging roles such as in the bold play 'Sakharam Binder', which he performed with subtlety to avoid audience discomfort. His repertoire expanded to radio plays in 1971.
A Legacy of 100 Plays and Beyond
Rastogi's discipline allowed him to act in 55 plays while serving at CDRI. After retiring from the institute in 2003, he staged an additional 45 plays, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his art. His versatility extends beyond the stage; he has acted in 70 films and OTT series, with notable roles in the TV serial ‘Udaan’ and movies like ‘Ishaqzaade’ and ‘Na Bole Tum Naa Maine Kuch Kaha’.
Today, at 82, Anil Rastogi stands as a testament to lifelong passion and perseverance. His emphatic acting and dialogue delivery continue to captivate audiences, proving that milestones are not just about numbers, but about the enduring impact of a performance and the inspiring journey behind it.
