BeyondBooks: ‘Theatre has taught me learn from failure’

Meet Saksham Sehgal, a passionate theatre enthusiast from Class XII at Apeejay School, Noida, who has carved a niche for himself in Hindi dramatics through powerful performances and Inter-school competitions. With a natural flair for intense roles and a deep connection to storytelling, Saksham believes theatre goes beyond the stage, shaping confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning from every performance. 

Read his journey…

When did your journey in dramatics begin, and what inspired you to participate?

My interest in dramatics began at the age of 14. I was always fascinated by performances and storytelling, which motivated me to actively participate. I officially started performing in school dramatics in Class IX. 

How did your early experiences in school shape your passion for theatre?

Performing at Annual Day acts and nukkad-nataks, which gave us exposure and confidence, strengthened my passion for theatre.

What role did inter-school performances play in your growth as an actor?

Participating in Inter-school competitions helped me understand diverse audiences. These platforms taught me adaptability, teamwork, and stage presence, while also motivating me to perform better and explore different styles of dramatics. 

Why do you feel more connected to Hindi theatre and acting?

Hindi, being my mother tongue, makes me more expressive and comfortable on stage. Performing in Hindi allows me to convey emotions naturally. Watching Hindi films and theatre has also inspired me deeply, though I now aim to explore English dramatics as well.

You are known for portraying antagonist roles. How did that happen?

My friends and teachers often say I suit antagonist roles. I’ve portrayed characters like Yamraj and Ravan in school productions. These roles challenged me emotionally and helped me explore intensity, expressions, and strong dialogue delivery.

How do you express emotions effectively through dialogue, drama and expressions?

Nukkad-natak played a major role in developing my emotional expression. Unlike structured plays, it allows improvisation, helping actors experiment freely. This flexibility taught me how to convey emotions more naturally and connect better with the audience.

Do you have any inspirations or influences in theatre or storytelling?

While I haven’t explored many plays or writers yet, my preparation for the Indian Army’s SSB interview has enhanced my storytelling skills. Writing stories based on images within a limited time has strengthened my creativity and dialogue-building ability. 

What are your future goals related to theatre and acting?

I plan to pursue theatre as an extracurricular passion. Even after joining the Indian Army, I want to continue acting as a hobby. Theatre has become an important part of my personality and personal growth journey. 

What is the most important lesson theatre has taught you?

It has taught me to learn from failure. Perfecting dialogues and expressions requires continuous practice over days or months. It has instilled patience, discipline, resilience, and the understanding that growth comes through consistent effort.