Sravasti Datta discusses the complexity of romantic relationships as portrayed in the Hindi play, Silvatein, by theatre personality Shatarupa Bhattacharyya. The play will be performed at Ranga Shankara today, translated by Puneet Gupta. Shatarupa, with a decade of theatre experience and multiple roles in over 20 productions, shares her reflections on the significance of theatre in exploring intellectual and emotional aspects of relationships. She emphasizes how theatre provides a unique space for bringing abstract ideas to life in a profound manner, contributing to her character development and conflict resolution process. Shatarupa finds the journey of writing and staging Silvatein as both therapeutic and empowering, fostering closure and meaningful conversations. She laments the lack of emotional connectivity in modern, fast-paced lifestyles, attributing it to increased stress and distractions from technology leading to a culture of instant gratification in relationships.The energy spent on solving problems is being wasted. Walking away or giving up has become the easier option. Our fast-paced lifestyles have squeezed out space for meaningful emotional connections. We are constantly chasing after things, making forming relationships the least of our concerns. Shatarupa's latest play draws from her own experiences with relationships. She explains, "The play's inspiration stemmed from my personal encounters with failed relationships. I found myself constantly grappling with unresolved issues and internal dialogues." Shatarupa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and honest communication in relationships. "Understanding my own emotions, triggers, and needs is not only vital for my well-being but also for establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship. Unhealthy relationships thrive on power and control." Reflecting on how her past shaped her reactions, Shatarupa now approaches relationships with patience and empathy. She shares, "I've become more open to growth, learning from my mistakes, and accepting vulnerability."
