Krishna Kashyap: The Many Faces of an Artist

Krishna Kashyap dons many hats. He is a theatre artist, voice-over actor, Emcee, and part-time writer and has been doing theatre professionally since 2015. He conducts dramatic classes for children as well as storytelling sessions, theatre training workshops, mime workshops, etc. He has been a part of more than a hundred plays and has hosted more than a thousand shows all over India. He has also attended multiple performance arts competitions, both as a guest and a judge.   “I used to create content for various websites and later started writing dialogues for dramas. While writing dialogues, I would introduce four-line poems and jingles in between. That is how I got re-introduced to writing poems”, Kashyap added. Krishna Kash Performing in Poetry Open Mic   BV: Have you always considered yourself a poet apart from being a theatre artist? As an artist, what inspires/inspired you? Krishna: Despite my father being an impressive writer, I never thought about it until I was in Grade 5. Back then, when my English teacher appreciated my six-line poem and recited it to the whole class, it proved to be a turning point. That was my inspiration to start writing.   BV: What is your preferred genre of art and why have you chosen it?         Krishna: In my childhood days, I used to scribble about the Ramayana, Mahabharata, nature, etc. But today, I usually write about the before and after effects of love. My style of language is simple, humorous, and sarcastic that the audience finds quite alluring. Millennials always love to read something that they can relate to and the topic of hook-up and break-up is a trend on which one can write countless poems. Krishna receiving honor BV: Given the present scenario, how difficult is the situation for artistes? Krishna: The present situation has made it quite difficult for artists who are dependent financially on live performances. My last show was on the 7th of March and there hasn't been any new opportunity since then. We are trying to cope up with these new challenges the best we can.   BV:  In your opinion, how beneficial/different are online LIVE sessions from that of a live audience? Krishna: Being a live performer myself, I believe that nothing beats the joy of having a live audience. Nevertheless, performing online will keep us active and helps us to be more creative to reach and entertain the audience through a different platform. Performing Theatre BV: How do you think the online LIVE sessions are impacting the audience in these turbulent times? Krishna: It is helping a lot. People are frustrated and they need entertainment. Everybody has started doing something or the other to get through this difficult time. People are exploring their creativity in different forms like painting, cooking, music, dance, poetry, indoor sports, etc. This is also the time when every individual is exploring their inner self. The online LIVE sessions are allowing artists to reach and connect with a wider spectrum of people. And as a result, playing a part in helping people get through this crisis. Krishna Kash-Theatre artist BV: Any word of advice for upcoming poets? Krishna: I still consider myself a learner and have a long way to go. One piece of advice I would like to give my peers is- “Don’t write for others, Write for yourself and Allow others to read it” For more such updates, follow us on Facebook and  Instagram. Download our magazine Spunky Indian for exclusive stories.