Sravasti DattaRomantic relationships are among the most intricate concepts to articulate for humans. Theatre artist Shatarupa Bhattacharyya explores this in her new Hindi play, Silvatein, being performed at Ranga Shankara today and translated by Puneet Gupta. With a decade of experience in theater encompassing around 20 productions, Shatarupa has worked as an actor, director, and production manager. While collaborating with various theater groups in Bengaluru, she discusses her creative process in playwriting, the significance of theater in processing relationships, and insights on modern relationships. Reflecting on how theater has influenced her understanding of relationships, Shatarupa shares, “It provided a unique space where abstract ideas could manifest vividly, allowing me to delve into them intellectually and emotionally.” Through writing and staging Silvatein, she found solace and empowerment, experiencing a sense of closure and initiating meaningful conversations that she hopes will inspire others. Shatarupa emphasizes the value of theater in fostering dialogues that transcend mere facts and statistics. “Our fast-paced lifestyles have restricted room for emotional connections,” she observes, noting that stress and technological distractions have hindered meaningful interactions within relationships. This culture of instant gratification has created an expectation for effortless and constantly fulfilling relationships, diminishing the willingness to invest time and effort in nurturing meaningful connections.The energy required to solve problems is now being saved by simply walking away from them. Our fast-paced lives no longer allow us to form deep emotional connections, as we are always rushing to keep up with our commitments, making nurturing relationships a low priority. Shatarupa's latest play draws inspiration from her own relationship experiences, with the script rooted in her past trials and inner dialogues. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and clear communication, noting that understanding one's emotions, triggers, and needs is essential for personal well-being and the success of a healthy relationship. Unhealthy relationships, as Shatarupa points out, often revolve around power and control dynamics. By acknowledging how her reactions were influenced by past events and preconceptions, she has become more patient and empathetic in her approach to relationships, embracing vulnerability and growth as an integral part of the journey.