Mita Vashisht mourns the loss of Kumar Shahani: ‘He and I were in discussions about a theatre performance he envisioned with me – Exclusive |

Acclaimed Indian film director and screenwriter Kumar Shahani left for his heavenly abode on February 24, 2024. ETimes got in touch with actress Mita Vashisht who reflected on the profound impact he had on her life and career.
Talking about his demise, Mita shared, “It’s a profound sense of loss on so many levels as a human being, an artist, and a cherished individual with whom conversations felt like my soul expanded, nurtured, and uplifted, sometimes infused with hope.Kumar and my conversations in recent months would last for almost an hour on the phone.”
Elaborating further, she added, “We discussed so many things: the world, cinema, acting, technology. There was nothing on which he couldn’t shed deep, insightful light, bringing clarity to what is otherwise distressing and chaotic in the world.”She also shared. “My very first experience of cinema and my inaugural role in film was with him. So, his passing is deeply impactful on many fronts.”
Recently, the duo had been in talks about a theatre performance envisioned by Kumar, with Mita as the lead and himself as the director. “Kumar and I were also recently in discussions about a theatre performance he envisioned with me. A solo piece directed by him, with Vikram Joglekar handling the sound design for the project. I truly desired for it to come to fruition. However, it seems I may have to endeavor to pursue it on my own, striving to realize it as he might have envisioned it,” she said.

She further added, “Just a few weeks ago, we were hashing out the details, and I had drafted a proposal, sending it to him via email to confirm if it aligned with his vision. He replied affirmatively, urging me to proceed. We were in search of funding for the endeavor, which was quite ambitious, much like everything Kumar undertook.”
Reflecting on Kumar’s unwavering dedication to his craft, Mita said, “Nothing Kumar pursued was ordinary or trivial. His endeavors always exhibited a high level of consciousness, thoughtfulness, and excellence. Often, if he couldn’t execute something exactly as he envisioned, he wouldn’t proceed. There were many projects he planned but refrained from pursuing unless perfection was attainable. His unwavering dedication as an artist is rare, beautiful, and profoundly inspiring. It’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, alongside everything else about him.”

As she mourns the loss of her mentor and friend, Mita finds solace in the memories they shared and the legacy Kumar leaves behind. “I feel deeply grateful and blessed that he guided my initiation into the world of film as a young actress. It’s a seminal experience that shapes one’s future years. It feels like a gift from the universe that after 3-4 years of intensive drama study, my first film should be under the direction of someone like him,” she concluded.