Arundhati Nag shares insights on the evolution of the theatre scene since the inception of Ranga Shankara two decades ago. Initially perceived as art reserved for the intellectual elite, theatre has now become more accessible to a wider audience, thanks to the transformative impact of Ranga Shankara. Nag notes that while some may still hold on to old perceptions, witnessing a play at Ranga Shankara has the power to change their perspective. The venue has revolutionized the way people engage with theatre over the past two decades, even prompting a shift in audience behavior to include weekday attendance.

Reflecting on her journey with Ranga Shankara, Nag considers the theatre community her own, expressing moments of parental concern for actors' dedication to their craft and innovative ideas. She acknowledges the dynamic nature of the industry, citing both inspiring young theatre groups pushing boundaries and those lacking motivation. Nag emphasizes the ambitious vision that guided the establishment of Ranga Shankara and the continuous pursuit of realizing those dreams.

Navigating through the highs and lows of the past 20 years, Nag recognizes the insatiable nature of artistic pursuit where achievements are often met with a desire for more excellence. She stresses that the productions at Ranga Shankara reflect the collaborative efforts of the community rather than the venue alone. Addressing the evolving landscape of Indian theatre, Nag observes a growing disconnect between traditional and contemporary urban performances, highlighting the need for bridging this gap to preserve the essence of pan-Indian theatrical culture.Regions such as Gujarat, Bengal, Karnataka, and others joined together as a collective anti-colonial voice. Like many countries, India is experiencing increasing urbanization, widening the gap between traditional folk and urban theater. This global trend is one to monitor closely, especially considering India's diverse array of languages and performance forms, which we must preserve for future generations. A photograph from 2004 captures the opening night of Ranga Shankara, illustrating the growth of the theater community over the past two decades, with the number of theater groups doubling. While this indicates a rise in participation from young and amateur artists, there is a desire to make theater more appealing to wider audiences and emphasize the importance of experiencing live performances. Showing respect for those who generously support the arts without imposing restrictions, we acknowledge the courage of individuals who ensure artists can thrive and continue to aspire and create. According to Arundhati Nag, experimentation and exploration are fundamental in the evolving landscape of theater, where she sees great potential for the future. As she reflects on the changing world and her own journey, she urges for a spirit of generosity and a commitment to excellence in sustaining and advancing the arts.What I envision for Ranga Shankara to uphold long after our time is a place that remains warm-hearted, generous, and committed to excellence. While being only generous can be seen as foolish, solely focusing on excellence can come across as snobbish. Striking the right balance between the two is ideal. Arundhati Nag and the late Girish Karnad were spotted mingling with literary figures at the event.