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With a journey in Gujarati theatre spanning nearly four decades, Chhaya Vora has built a career across stage, television and films, earning recognition for projects like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Shubharambh. The actress credits theatre for shaping both her craft and temperament as a performer, teaching her discipline, patience and the ability to stay present in the moment.

She says, “Theatre has been the foundation of my growth. It has given me confidence, strong public speaking skills, and the ability to improvise and stay present in the moment. It also teaches you how to hold a scene together even if something goes wrong, which is a discipline no other medium builds as naturally. In theatre, you rehearse for almost a month for a two-hour performance. That process builds patience, persistence and a strong commitment to your craft. You learn to keep refining your character and improving over time. These lessons help not just in the industry, but in life as well.”

Despite working across television and films, theatre continues to remain her biggest creative comfort zone because of the immediate connection actors share with the audience. She admits, “Theatre is where I feel the most creatively comfortable. Even after performing a play many times, each show feels different in its own way. The biggest difference is the immediacy of the audience’s response. On stage, you feel that connection instantly, which is very special.”

Chhaya The actress was recently seen in Bhooth Bangla , which marked her reunion with Priyadarshan after several years. Interestingly, while the film became her first on-screen collaboration with the filmmaker, she had earlier worked with him as a lyricist on Malamaal Weekly. She says, “Working with Priyadarshan sir has always been a delight. When I acted in his film, never once did it feel like a first. He has a way of making everything feel so comfortable and effortless.”

While Bollywood is often criticised for being driven by star power, Chhaya believes audiences ultimately determine the success of both theatre and cinema . She says, “I feel both theatre and cinema are ultimately driven by the audience. While stars may bring attention, it is the audience’s connection with the story and performances that really matters and decides the success of any project.”