Arundhati Nag reflects on the evolution of the theatre scene at Ranga Shankara over the past 20 years, highlighting the transformative impact of the iconic venue in changing perceptions towards theatre. Initially viewed as a pursuit for intellectuals, theatre has now become more accessible to a wider audience, she explains. Nag discusses her initial aspirations for Ranga Shankara, the challenges faced, and her vision for its future. She emphasizes the shift in audience behavior, noting that people now attend plays even on weekdays.

While acknowledging theatre as a close-knit community, Nag expresses a personal stake in the growth and development of the venue. She shares her observations on the dedication of actors and praises the innovation of some emerging theatre groups, while also recognizing pockets of complacency in the industry.

Nag reflects on the ambitious goals set at the inception of Ranga Shankara and the journey of realizing those aspirations over time. Despite encountering setbacks and facing high expectations from the community, she remains committed to pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in theatrical productions.

Furthermore, Nag observes a growing divide between traditional and contemporary urban theatre practices, noting the importance of bridging this gap to uphold the rich diversity of Indian theatre.States like Gujarat, Bengal, and Karnataka, among others, came together in a united anti-colonial voice. As India urbanizes, there is a growing disparity between folk and urban theater, a trend seen globally. Preserving the diverse languages and forms of Indian theater is crucial for future generations. With the number of theater groups doubling over the past 20 years, more young people are joining the theater community. There is a desire to promote theater as a cool and enriching experience, and to encourage support for the arts without constraints. Arundhati Nag emphasizes the importance of trying new things and believes that theater offers endless opportunities for learning and cultural exploration. Amid a changing world, the hope is to maintain a spirit of generosity and uphold standards of excellence in the arts.I hope that Ranga Shankara's essence of being generous and striving for excellence remains vibrant even after we are no longer here. A balance of both generosity and excellence is key, as being solely one or the other can have negative effects. Arundhati Nag and the late Girish Karnad were spotted engaging with literary figures at the event.