Actress Sherleen Dutt, who has been a part of the show KINK and Honey Trap Squad as well as web series Koi Jaye Toh Le Aaye and Shringarika, also comes from a theatre background. She says that she has learnt a lot from the platform.
“I have done theatre in Jammu, and my last play there was Helen of Troy, where I played Helen. Theatre has been instrumental in shaping my craft as an actor. It taught me discipline, voice modulation, stage presence, and the importance of connecting with an audience in real time. Performing live pushes you to be in the moment, react instinctively, and refine your expressions without the luxury of retakes. These lessons have stayed with me and continue to help me in front of the camera as well,” she says.

Ask her how has theatre impacted the entertainment industry, and she says, “In today’s digital world, where everything is recorded, edited, and filtered, live performance remains raw, real, and irreplaceable. Theatre brings an unfiltered emotional connection between performers and audiences that no screen can replicate. The entertainment industry owes a lot to theatre—many legendary actors, directors, and writers started on stage before making their mark in films and OTT platforms. The depth of character study, storytelling techniques, and audience engagement in theatre continue to influence modern-day cinema and web content.”

She adds, “Theatre has always been the foundation of storytelling, even before films existed. Many cinematic techniques—like monologues, improvisation, and method acting—stem from theatre. Even today, actors trained in theatre bring a unique depth to their screen performances. The industry may have evolved, but theatre remains its soul.”

Talking about how theatre can be kept alive today, she says, “Theatre is an art form that thrives on human connection, creativity, and spontaneity. Keeping it alive means preserving a space for actors to hone their craft in its purest form. It also keeps storytelling authentic, diverse, and culturally rich. Beyond entertainment, theatre fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of community—things we need more than ever in today’s fast-paced digital age.”

She adds, “It’s true that theatre often operates on lower budgets compared to films or web series, but its survival in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Pune, and Jaipur proves its cultural significance. Theatre is not just about commercial success; it’s about passion, storytelling, and artistic expression. Many dedicated artists continue to perform, even with limited resources, because theatre is an integral part of our artistic heritage. The love for live performances ensures that theatre remains alive despite financial constraints.”

As for her returning to theatre, she says, “I would love to do theatre again. There’s a different kind of adrenaline rush that comes with performing live—no cuts, no retakes, just pure, immersive acting. Theatre sharpens skills in ways that screen acting sometimes cannot, and I would love to revisit that experience. However, due to my current commitments, I’d have to find the right time and project to return to the stage.”