RAJ DHALIWAL

I want to do a solo play on stage

How will you describe your being in the 40s?

I don't feel like Iam in my 40s. I am still very shararti like I used to be in my childhood. When I look at my son, who is in his 20s, I still can't believe that Iam now a grown-up woman. I live my life to the fullest. That's the mantra of my life.

Can you tell us about your Theatre days?

I didn't have any acting experience before matriage. My husband brought me into the acting world, which I am grateful for. There is an interesting story behind my first performance on stage. A girl who was playing a part in the play had left. My husband came to me, while I was three months pregnant to convince me to play her part. That's how I joined their Theatre group. I was very nervous when I performed for the first time on stage. But, after my first performance, I started to love it. I started practicing my part by feeling the emotions of the characters. I loved getting appreciation from the audience. Yes still remember my relatives bad-mouthing me. But, when your partner is with you and supports you, anything else doesn't matter. If I look back, I used to get excited about the rehearsals. We used to practice in a government school in Amloh. I used to take my son with me when he was just an infant. I still have a photograph where my son is drinking goat's milk on one side and the goat's kid on the other. These are some of the memories which I still cherish and we performed in almost every pind of Punjab.

Can you tell us about Joban Open Air Theatre?