Theatre, TV and films personality Atul Kumar is excited to kick off the new year with a play that is close to his heart. He is kicking things off with an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s popular novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens—a production that’s won both Olivier and Tony Awards.

Director Atul Kumar recently revived this literary piece on stage alongwith fellow cast members Jaimini Pathak, Dheer Hir, Dilnaz Irani, Shivani Tanksale, Salone Mehta, Harssh Singh, Vidushi Chadha and Abhay Kaul.&nbsp;

From London to Mumbai in December and to New Delhi in January 2025, Atul promises to woo audiences with his vision. Here is the edited excerpts of our chat in which we discuss why he picked this story for stage:

Q: This is your third production with Aadyam Theatre after Detective 9-2-11 and Baaghi Albele. What made you choose The Curious Incident for this season.

A: I had the book with me much before I read the play. My 17-year-old daughter gave it to me but I got a chance to read it after I came across the play first. I fell in love with the play the first time I got to know Christopher’s story. Before that I had very little knowledge about Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum and other kinds of neurodivergence but the story is not just about that. It is really about human resolve and achievement against all odds. That is what actually drew me towards doing it and we didn't really want to do it in Hindi.

<img alt="The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to come to Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d3b5ff-2e72-49ca-954b-11fac30b8cb4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-12-23T170646.532.jpg" />

We wanted to maintain it in English and it made complete sense to base it either in South Bombay or in Bandra. We didn't really have to change names either, they just completely fitted with the people who live in our Bandra community. So there you are.

Q: Theatre in India has such rich traditions, yet we rarely see stories about neurodivergent characters. What convinced you and Aadyam to back this particular story, and what discoveries did you make while working on such sensitive material?

A: I don't know about Aadyam but I can talk about how important this subject is to me. I've had people in my family, friends, and neighborhood where any sort of neurodivergence was either hidden, was shamed or it was ignored. Often parents and teachers used to be in denial that a child growing up is discovered to have any kind of divergence from what our understanding of normalcy is. To the extent that some of these children grew up to become complete misfits and none of their issues were ever addressed, accepted or understood.&nbsp;

<img alt="The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to come to Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0379b01c-698e-411e-89bc-44c2d5ff92aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-12-23T170716.608.jpg" />

This is something I grew up with and to tell you the truth, I also slowly grew up to become a part of not recognising these differences and not valuing these differences. Things have changed thankfully with psychotherapy coming in and education systems getting an overhaul. So this was very personal for me. I felt like I wanted to address the idea of difference and how one person is different from the other and why there is no space in our society for those differences and those differences could be on any level.&nbsp;

I really hope that this and many other subjects are picked up in theater. I know that a lot of this is addressed through literature, poetry, even through visual arts and in some sense by cinema too but it’s not so much in theater.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-taylor-swift-surprises-fan-with-5000-miu-miu-outfit-after-she-complimented-her-look-786135">Taylor Swift plays Santa, surprises fan with $5000 Miu Miu outfit after she complimented her look</a>

Q: I notice you've chosen to keep all eight actors on stage throughout, switching between various characters. What was the thought behind that?

A: Actually, the script is written in such a way that all the actors are on stage. It's only eight people and they take on more than 26 to 30 characters and there are quick changes – like just putting on a hat and somebody becomes a cop, removing the hat and putting on a wig and you become someone else – because there are quick changes and quick entries and exits of different characters. So, there was no way that the writer could have justified actors going out.&nbsp;

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will premiere in Delhi in January 2025 on dates, January 11 and 12 at the Kamani auditorium.&nbsp;

Theatre, TV and films personality Atul Kumar is excited to kick off the new year with a play that is close to his heart. He is kicking things off with an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s popular novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens—a production that’s won both Olivier and Tony Awards.

Theatre, TV and films personality Atul Kumar is excited to kick off the new year with a play that is close to his heart. He is kicking things off with an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s popular novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens—a production that’s won both Olivier and Tony Awards. Director Atul Kumar recently revived this literary piece on stage alongwith fellow cast members Jaimini Pathak, Dheer Hir, Dilnaz Irani, Shivani Tanksale, Salone Mehta, Harssh Singh, Vidushi Chadha and Abhay Kaul. From London to Mumbai in December and to New Delhi in January 2025, Atul promises to woo audiences with his vision. Here is the edited excerpts of our chat in which we discuss why he picked this story for stage: Q: This is your third production with Aadyam Theatre after Detective 9-2-11 and Baaghi Albele. What made you choose The Curious Incident for this season. A: I had the book with me much before I read the play. My 17-year-old daughter gave it to me but I got a chance to read it after I came across the play first. I fell in love with the play the first time I got to know Christopher’s story. Before that I had very little knowledge about Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum and other kinds of neurodivergence but the story is not just about that. It is really about human resolve and achievement against all odds. That is what actually drew me towards doing it and we didn't really want to do it in Hindi. We wanted to maintain it in English and it made complete sense to base it either in South Bombay or in Bandra. We didn't really have to change names either, they just completely fitted with the people who live in our Bandra community. So there you are. Q: Theatre in India has such rich traditions, yet we rarely see stories about neurodivergent characters. What convinced you and Aadyam to back this particular story, and what discoveries did you make while working on such sensitive material? A: I don't know about Aadyam but I can talk about how important this subject is to me. I've had people in my family, friends, and neighborhood where any sort of neurodivergence was either hidden, was shamed or it was ignored. Often parents and teachers used to be in denial that a child growing up is discovered to have any kind of divergence from what our understanding of normalcy is. To the extent that some of these children grew up to become complete misfits and none of their issues were ever addressed, accepted or understood. This is something I grew up with and to tell you the truth, I also slowly grew up to become a part of not recognising these differences and not valuing these differences. Things have changed thankfully with psychotherapy coming in and education systems getting an overhaul. So this was very personal for me. I felt like I wanted to address the idea of difference and how one person is different from the other and why there is no space in our society for those differences and those differences could be on any level. I really hope that this and many other subjects are picked up in theater. I know that a lot of this is addressed through literature, poetry, even through visual arts and in some sense by cinema too but it’s not so much in theater. Also read: Taylor Swift plays Santa, surprises fan with $5000 Miu Miu outfit after she complimented her look Q: I notice you've chosen to keep all eight actors on stage throughout, switching between various characters. What was the thought behind that? A: Actually, the script is written in such a way that all the actors are on stage. It's only eight people and they take on more than 26 to 30 characters and there are quick changes – like just putting on a hat and somebody becomes a cop, removing the hat and putting on a wig and you become someone else – because there are quick changes and quick entries and exits of different characters. So, there was no way that the writer could have justified actors going out. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will premiere in Delhi in January 2025 on dates, January 11 and 12 at the Kamani auditorium.

Breaking down how Atul Kumar re-imagined Mark Haddon’s classic novel for Indian audience

New Delhi
Theatre, TV and films personality Atul Kumar is excited to kick off the new year with a play that is close to his heart. He is kicking things off with an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s popular novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens—a production that’s won both Olivier and Tony Awards.
Director Atul Kumar recently revived this literary piece on stage alongwith fellow cast members Jaimini Pathak, Dheer Hir, Dilnaz Irani, Shivani Tanksale, Salone Mehta, Harssh Singh, Vidushi Chadha and Abhay Kaul. 
From London to Mumbai in December and to New Delhi in January 2025, Atul promises to woo audiences with his vision. Here is the edited excerpts of our chat in which we discuss why he picked this story for stage:
Q: This is your third production with Aadyam Theatre after Detective 9-2-11 and Baaghi Albele. What made you choose The Curious Incident for this season.
A: I had the book with me much before I read the play. My 17-year-old daughter gave it to me but I got a chance to read it after I came across the play first. I fell in love with the play the first time I got to know Christopher’s story. Before that I had very little knowledge about Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum and other kinds of neurodivergence but the story is not just about that. It is really about human resolve and achievement against all odds. That is what actually drew me towards doing it and we didn't really want to do it in Hindi.
<img alt="The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to come to Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15d3b5ff-2e72-49ca-954b-11fac30b8cb4" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS - 2024-12-23T170646.532.jpg"/>
We wanted to maintain it in English and it made complete sense to base it either in South Bombay or in Bandra. We didn't really have to change names either, they just completely fitted with the people who live in our Bandra community. So there you are.
Q: Theatre in India has such rich traditions, yet we rarely see stories about neurodivergent characters. What convinced you and Aadyam to back this particular story, and what discoveries did you make while working on such sensitive material?
A: I don't know about Aadyam but I can talk about how important this subject is to me. I've had people in my family, friends, and neighborhood where any sort of neurodivergence was either hidden, was shamed or it was ignored. Often parents and teachers used to be in denial that a child growing up is discovered to have any kind of divergence from what our understanding of normalcy is. To the extent that some of these children grew up to become complete misfits and none of their issues were ever addressed, accepted or understood. 
<img alt="The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to come to Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0379b01c-698e-411e-89bc-44c2d5ff92aa" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS - 2024-12-23T170716.608.jpg"/>
This is something I grew up with and to tell you the truth, I also slowly grew up to become a part of not recognising these differences and not valuing these differences. Things have changed thankfully with psychotherapy coming in and education systems getting an overhaul. So this was very personal for me. I felt like I wanted to address the idea of difference and how one person is different from the other and why there is no space in our society for those differences and those differences could be on any level. 
I really hope that this and many other subjects are picked up in theater. I know that a lot of this is addressed through literature, poetry, even through visual arts and in some sense by cinema too but it’s not so much in theater.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-taylor-swift-surprises-fan-with-5000-miu-miu-outfit-after-she-complimented-her-look-786135">Taylor Swift plays Santa, surprises fan with $5000 Miu Miu outfit after she complimented her look</a>
Q: I notice you've chosen to keep all eight actors on stage throughout, switching between various characters. What was the thought behind that?
A: Actually, the script is written in such a way that all the actors are on stage. It's only eight people and they take on more than 26 to 30 characters and there are quick changes – like just putting on a hat and somebody becomes a cop, removing the hat and putting on a wig and you become someone else – because there are quick changes and quick entries and exits of different characters. So, there was no way that the writer could have justified actors going out. 
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will premiere in Delhi in January 2025 on dates, January 11 and 12 at the Kamani auditorium.

Based on Mark Haddon’s popular novel of the same name, Atul Kumar directed play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will premiere in Delhi in January 2025.



New Delhi Theatre, TV and films personality Atul Kumar is excited to kick off the new year with a play that is close to his heart. He is kicking things off with an adaptation of Mark Haddon’s popular novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens—a production that’s won both Olivier and Tony Awards. Director Atul Kumar recently revived this literary piece on stage alongwith fellow cast members Jaimini Pathak, Dheer Hir, Dilnaz Irani, Shivani Tanksale, Salone Mehta, Harssh Singh, Vidushi Chadha and Abhay Kaul. From London to Mumbai in December and to New Delhi in January 2025, Atul promises to woo audiences with his vision. Here is the edited excerpts of our chat in which we discuss why he picked this story for stage: Q: This is your third production with Aadyam Theatre after Detective 9-2-11 and Baaghi Albele. What made you choose The Curious Incident for this season. A: I had the book with me much before I read the play. My 17-year-old daughter gave it to me but I got a chance to read it after I came across the play first. I fell in love with the play the first time I got to know Christopher’s story. Before that I had very little knowledge about Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum and other kinds of neurodivergence but the story is not just about that. It is really about human resolve and achievement against all odds. That is what actually drew me towards doing it and we didn't really want to do it in Hindi. We wanted to maintain it in English and it made complete sense to base it either in South Bombay or in Bandra. We didn't really have to change names either, they just completely fitted with the people who live in our Bandra community. So there you are. Q: Theatre in India has such rich traditions, yet we rarely see stories about neurodivergent characters. What convinced you and Aadyam to back this particular story, and what discoveries did you make while working on such sensitive material? A: I don't know about Aadyam but I can talk about how important this subject is to me. I've had people in my family, friends, and neighborhood where any sort of neurodivergence was either hidden, was shamed or it was ignored. Often parents and teachers used to be in denial that a child growing up is discovered to have any kind of divergence from what our understanding of normalcy is. To the extent that some of these children grew up to become complete misfits and none of their issues were ever addressed, accepted or understood. This is something I grew up with and to tell you the truth, I also slowly grew up to become a part of not recognising these differences and not valuing these differences. Things have changed thankfully with psychotherapy coming in and education systems getting an overhaul. So this was very personal for me. I felt like I wanted to address the idea of difference and how one person is different from the other and why there is no space in our society for those differences and those differences could be on any level. I really hope that this and many other subjects are picked up in theater. I know that a lot of this is addressed through literature, poetry, even through visual arts and in some sense by cinema too but it’s not so much in theater. Also read: Taylor Swift plays Santa, surprises fan with $5000 Miu Miu outfit after she complimented her look Q: I notice you've chosen to keep all eight actors on stage throughout, switching between various characters. What was the thought behind that? A: Actually, the script is written in such a way that all the actors are on stage. It's only eight people and they take on more than 26 to 30 characters and there are quick changes – like just putting on a hat and somebody becomes a cop, removing the hat and putting on a wig and you become someone else – because there are quick changes and quick entries and exits of different characters. So, there was no way that the writer could have justified actors going out. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will premiere in Delhi in January 2025 on dates, January 11 and 12 at the Kamani auditorium.

For someone who prefers being addressed as a theatre artist over a film actor, Atul Kumar, is a busy man these days. Last seen in Nandita Das’ ‘Manto’, Atul is occupied with the ongoing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/serendipity-arts-festival-in-goa-is-a-must-visit-for-those-who-want-to-experience-indian-art-from-up-close-185145">Serendipity Arts Festival </a>taking place from December 15-22 in Panaji, Goa as he has his hands full in the role of a curator for theatre projects.

Co-curating projects with Arundhati Nag, a fellow theatre-film artiste --they brought together projects/performances with an aim to bring interdisciplinary and collaborative work to the front.

In a candid conversation with WION, Atul revealed details of his role at the festival, when he was bit by the acting bug, on choosing theatre over films, future plans and his role in the much-talked about upcoming film <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-the-accidental-prime-minister-this-actress-will-play-former-pm-manmohan-singhs-wife-role-146098?first_load=no">‘The Accidental Prime Minister’.</a>

Atul has curated before but never on such a large scale. He likes the idea of these multidisciplinary festivals but he puts forth arguments on why some people might raise objections. “Some might argue that this kind of money and human resources employed for this festival could have been used in a more constructive manner. It’s a completely valid point,” he said.

The ‘Manto’ actor also pointed out that another argument could defend the need for these festivals, attributing it for bringing “communities together”. He said, “They (festivals) do become an occasion to celebrate art work which then becomes a platform for new collaborations and introspection, especially in a festival like this where there are so many disciplines. It becomes great food for thought and ground to construct. It’s very important.”

<img alt="atul kumar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e9f6937-4298-41d3-ab77-61b48c7c5dcc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-27.jpg" />

Enjoying his time at the festival, seeing enthusiasts line up for different programs, Atul believes that theatre is “an ever evolving art form.” He continued, “Within this festival, you will see that there are performances, which are telling us stories in many different forms, within the category of theatre and performance. There are theatrical performances that are telling you stories without actors now. These are non-linear, not based on linear narratives but are still telling you stories. There are experiences right now that are very theatrical, which have nothing in it of a story but they are still telling you something.”

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The Company Theatre celebrates its 25 years!!! We begin with this fabulous play directed by Sujay Saple &amp; Rachel D'Souza <a href="https://t.co/UIudk5wXKT">pic.twitter.com/UIudk5wXKT</a>
— Atul Kumar (@atulkumartct) <a href="https://twitter.com/atulkumartct/status/966766156207058945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Being in the industry for over 30 years now, Atul feels that the art of storytelling has changed but so is the story being told and “thank God for that! Otherwise I’d probably not be doing theatre anymore,” he said.

Does he feel that people’s taste in art has refined over the years? He’s quick to respond to this and said, “There's always been a problem with breaking a norm, and it takes time to get people to like it, understand it. It was never like this when I started. 20 years back, it was not the same as it was 30 years back. So it’s changing constantly and it's only growing positively."

<img alt="atul kumar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a6a8eb7-163a-486d-b6a9-c85b9984f547" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-28.jpg" />

Atul might prefer theatre over films but the audience still gets to see him on the big screen, thanks to a few films he does every year. Among a few in the pipeline in 2019 is ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ that has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-the-accidental-prime-minister-most-difficult-film-for-me-anupam-kher-138224">Anupam Kher</a> playing former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It is based on the book of the same name, written by Sanjay Baru, who served as the media advisor of Singh from 2004 to 2008.

Atul revealed: “In this film, I am playing the national security adviser to the prime minister. There are these 3-4 people who are very close to the prime minister and I am one of them. They’re always fighting among themselves on how to be with America, how to be with the leaders who are visiting, how Sardarji should present himself. Somewhere along the line I die, and then there's a new guy who comes in.”

‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ will release on August 15.

When asked how he would react to the film being pulled in any controversy as the release date comes closer, given the nature of the film’s topic, the actor replied that “it is an important film. It’s about this leader who has these qualities, which he imbibed from Mr Rao (PV Narasimha Rao, former Indian Prime Minister).” He added, “It’s politics, I don’t really know where I stand, till I have seen it. I was afraid about ‘Manto’ as well when it was being made. These are delicate, sensitive topics. But i was very very happy (with the film).”

From a CID officer in Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Talvar’ to the National Security Adviser in Vijay Ratnakar Gutte’s ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, Atul admits that he doesn’t like being offered the same kind of roles. He complained, “It’s all the same. Bollywood is a bit like that. I have this bloody white hair and everybody gives me similar roles, either I am playing a CID officer or a police officer or a college professor.”

He has another film after ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, with ‘Bheja Fry’ director Sagar Ballary. It is about a man in the state of Odisha who started an NGO to support children of tribal areas. Atul plays the NGO owner in the film. The film is, however, centered around another character who is Atul’s character’s friend. A sports film, it is about the journey of a few kids who were spotted by this character who is a rugby coach, fighting on a street or a football ground and trained under him in the sport.

Atul narrated, “He took 4 months of training with the kids whom he had chosen for the game and made a rugby team. This team qualified for the World Cup, went all the way to Wales and won the Rugby World Cup. And we didn’t even know about it.”

Atul was last seen in the critically acclaimed film ‘Manto’, in a hit-and-miss appearance. Reflecting on it, he said, “I did a very small role. In the film it’s not a very important role either. I liked what she did with all these little cameos. I am playing Ismat Aapa’s (Ismat Chughtai) husband. It is an important film for me.”

For someone who prefers being addressed as a theatre artist over a film actor, Atul Kumar, is a busy man these days. Last seen in Nandita Das’ ‘Manto’, Atul is occupied with the ongoing Serendipity Arts Festival taking place from December 15-22 in Panaji, Goa as he has his hands full in the role of a curator for theatre projects.

For someone who prefers being addressed as a theatre artist over a film actor, Atul Kumar, is a busy man these days. Last seen in Nandita Das’ ‘Manto’, Atul is occupied with the ongoing Serendipity Arts Festival taking place from December 15-22 in Panaji, Goa as he has his hands full in the role of a curator for theatre projects. Co-curating projects with Arundhati Nag, a fellow theatre-film artiste --they brought together projects/performances with an aim to bring interdisciplinary and collaborative work to the front. In a candid conversation with WION, Atul revealed details of his role at the festival, when he was bit by the acting bug, on choosing theatre over films, future plans and his role in the much-talked about upcoming film ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’. Atul has curated before but never on such a large scale. He likes the idea of these multidisciplinary festivals but he puts forth arguments on why some people might raise objections. “Some might argue that this kind of money and human resources employed for this festival could have been used in a more constructive manner. It’s a completely valid point,” he said. The ‘Manto’ actor also pointed out that another argument could defend the need for these festivals, attributing it for bringing “communities together”. He said, “They (festivals) do become an occasion to celebrate art work which then becomes a platform for new collaborations and introspection, especially in a festival like this where there are so many disciplines. It becomes great food for thought and ground to construct. It’s very important.” Enjoying his time at the festival, seeing enthusiasts line up for different programs, Atul believes that theatre is “an ever evolving art form.” He continued, “Within this festival, you will see that there are performances, which are telling us stories in many different forms, within the category of theatre and performance. There are theatrical performances that are telling you stories without actors now. These are non-linear, not based on linear narratives but are still telling you stories. There are experiences right now that are very theatrical, which have nothing in it of a story but they are still telling you something.” The Company Theatre celebrates its 25 years!!! We begin with this fabulous play directed by Sujay Saple & Rachel D'Souza pic.twitter.com/UIudk5wXKT — Atul Kumar (@atulkumartct) February 22, 2018 × Being in the industry for over 30 years now, Atul feels that the art of storytelling has changed but so is the story being told and “thank God for that! Otherwise I’d probably not be doing theatre anymore,” he said. Does he feel that people’s taste in art has refined over the years? He’s quick to respond to this and said, “There's always been a problem with breaking a norm, and it takes time to get people to like it, understand it. It was never like this when I started. 20 years back, it was not the same as it was 30 years back. So it’s changing constantly and it's only growing positively." Atul might prefer theatre over films but the audience still gets to see him on the big screen, thanks to a few films he does every year. Among a few in the pipeline in 2019 is ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ that has Anupam Kher playing former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It is based on the book of the same name, written by Sanjay Baru, who served as the media advisor of Singh from 2004 to 2008. Atul revealed: “In this film, I am playing the national security adviser to the prime minister. There are these 3-4 people who are very close to the prime minister and I am one of them. They’re always fighting among themselves on how to be with America, how to be with the leaders who are visiting, how Sardarji should present himself. Somewhere along the line I die, and then there's a new guy who comes in.” ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ will release on August 15. When asked how he would react to the film being pulled in any controversy as the release date comes closer, given the nature of the film’s topic, the actor replied that “it is an important film. It’s about this leader who has these qualities, which he imbibed from Mr Rao (PV Narasimha Rao, former Indian Prime Minister).” He added, “It’s politics, I don’t really know where I stand, till I have seen it. I was afraid about ‘Manto’ as well when it was being made. These are delicate, sensitive topics. But i was very very happy (with the film).” From a CID officer in Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Talvar’ to the National Security Adviser in Vijay Ratnakar Gutte’s ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, Atul admits that he doesn’t like being offered the same kind of roles. He complained, “It’s all the same. Bollywood is a bit like that. I have this bloody white hair and everybody gives me similar roles, either I am playing a CID officer or a police officer or a college professor.” He has another film after ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’, with ‘Bheja Fry’ director Sagar Ballary. It is about a man in the state of Odisha who started an NGO to support children of tribal areas. Atul plays the NGO owner in the film. The film is, however, centered around another character who is Atul’s character’s friend. A sports film, it is about the journey of a few kids who were spotted by this character who is a rugby coach, fighting on a street or a football ground and trained under him in the sport. Atul narrated, “He took 4 months of training with the kids whom he had chosen for the game and made a rugby team. This team qualified for the World Cup, went all the way to Wales and won the Rugby World Cup. And we didn’t even know about it.” Atul was last seen in the critically acclaimed film ‘Manto’, in a hit-and-miss appearance. Reflecting on it, he said, “I did a very small role. In the film it’s not a very important role either. I liked what she did with all these little cameos. I am playing Ismat Aapa’s (Ismat Chughtai) husband. It is an important film for me.”

Atul Kumar reveals details of his role in 'Accidental Prime Minister' & why he prefers theatre over films

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