Actor Aahana Kumra Turns Host For Theatre-focused Podcast ‘Curtain Call’; Says ‘Theatre Is Where I Found My..'

Mumbai, January 16, 2026: Actor Aahana Kumra, known for her work in Lipstick Under My Burkha, The Accidental Prime Minister, and web series such as Marzi and Avrodh, has turned host for a new podcast series that drops today, titled Curtain Call. Presented by Samarya Creation Global Private Limited in association with Working Panda Films, the theatre-centric podcast premieres on the YouTube Channel 'Curtain Call with Aahana'.

Curtain Call features candid, unscripted conversations with some of India's most respected theatre actors, directors, playwrights and technicians. The series explores personal journeys, creative processes and defining moments that have shaped Indian theatre, while also highlighting its lasting influence on cinema and contemporary performance.

The 10-episode first season brings together some of the most respected names from Indian theatre. The premiere episode features Ratna Pathak Shah and Naseeruddin Shah, the iconic couple who co-founded Motley Productions in 1977. The conversation explores their individual journeys to theatre, the evolution of Motley, their approach to selecting and directing plays, and their reflections on over four decades of dedication to the craft.

Speaking about the intent behind the podcast, Aahana Kumra said, "Theatre is where I found my voice, my identity, and my purpose. Through this platform, I want to honour the masters who have paved the way and create a complete world that celebrates every dimension of Indian theatre. These conversations are not just about the past; they're about understanding the soul of Indian performance art and sharing it with audiences who may not have had the opportunity to experience theatre firsthand. As someone deeply embedded in this world, I feel a responsibility to ensure these stories, this ecosystem, this legacy is preserved and celebrated."

The remaining episodes will feature Makarand Deshpande, known for his pioneering contributions to experimental theatre; actor-directors Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak, acclaimed for their work across stage and screen, including the National Award-winning film Raghu Romeo; theatre and film actors Suchitra Pillai and Joy Sengupta; Pratik Gandhi and Bhamini Oza Gandhi, representing the new generation of Gujarati and Hindi theatre and cinema; as well as Amrita Shubash and Sandesh Kulkarni, along with Amol Parashar and Priyanshu Painyuli, who speak about seamlessly moving between theatre, films and digital platforms.

"At Samarya, we believe great content deserves strategic amplification," said Manoj Agarwal, Founder, Samarya Creation Global Private Limited. "Curtain Call is more than a podcast; it's a complete theatrical universe. With Aahana Kumra, a respected talent, at the helm of this IP, we're creating a premium platform that celebrates theatre in all its dimensions while building a contemporary, culturally relevant destination for performing arts. This is a testament to how technology and creativity can work together to preserve cultural heritage while building engaged digital communities. From social media campaigns to multimedia storytelling, we empower brands and cultural initiatives to stand out in an ever-evolving digital landscape."