In this insightful conversation, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) and an accomplished actor, director, writer and music director. A visionary leader with deep roots in creative arts, Mr. Tripathy is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre and its potential to shape society. 

His leadership perspectives and philosophy of life, rooted in timeless values and profound wisdom, provide inspiring insights into how we can all integrate creativity, playfulness, and balance into our personal and professional journeys. 

The interview offers an opportunity to gain wisdom from one of the most respected figures in the realm of arts and leadership for anyone seeking to cultivate a more vibrant, positive, and creatively enriched workplace. 

In conversation with Bhanu Prakash Semwal and Naveli Singh 

As someone deeply immersed in the creative arts, how has your relationship been with humour? 

I believe the world is filled with humour—humorous situations, humorous people—and it’s something we often overlook. Life is inherently simple, and humour is a constant reminder of that simplicity. Human nature has this tendency to blow small things out of proportion, turning everyday challenges into tragedies. When people start seeing themselves as victims, they miss out on the humour all around them. There’s always something to be grateful for in every situation.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, many people have become overly sensitive, losing their ability to appreciate humour in its various forms. Humour, however, is essential for the continuity of life. It helps us navigate the ups and downs with a lighter heart. For me, growing up, my father often spoke with sarcasm, and that shaped my own sense of humour. I learned early on that the ability to laugh at yourself is perhaps the most valuable form of humour. I use satire and self-criticism to keep myself rooted in reality, reminding me to not take myself too seriously, no matter what I’ve achieved.

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make sense of the world around us. Embracing humour in the workplace, just as in daily life, fosters a culture of openness and connection. It makes challenges more bearable and builds stronger relationships, allowing people to work together with joy and creativity.

Using humour as a leader often requires vulnerability. How do you, as a leader, strike a balance between being approachable through humour and maintaining authority?

Leadership is not simply about wielding power; it’s about how that power is used. For me, a true leader is one who channels power with humility and never abuses it. Leadership, at its core, is not about intimidation but about creating an environment of trust and openness.

Imagine a higher power—accessible, approachable, without gates or locks. That is how I see leadership. If someone must hesitate before speaking to me, it signals not respect but a communication gap I have inadvertently created. Hierarchies, bureaucracy, and rigid structures are remnants of a system that often prioritizes control over connection. My position does not need constant reinforcement; it is evident in how I lead. A leader who insists on their title reveals more weakness than strength. Real authority lies in respect, not fear, and respect is earned through actions, not proclamations.

Recently, a visitor from another country shared how students interacted with him freely and without fear. My response was simple: “Exactly.” I do not lead through fear because fear diminishes creativity, trust, and mutual respect. Leadership, to me, is a partnership grounded in logic and reason, not dominance. When you are humble, approachable, and human, you embody the essence of what leadership truly means: inspiring others, not commanding them.

How do you encourage your team to embrace a culture of playfulness? 

Transparency, to me, is the lifeblood of any organization, much like the seamless connection between the universe and its creator. When transparency flows freely, the line between formality and informality blurs, creating an environment where communication thrives effortlessly. In such a culture, even the most complex challenges can be addressed with simplicity and ease.

For instance, when an issue arises within the team, we don’t let it fester. We gather and share perspectives, and more often than not, the matter is resolved in mere moments. Contrast this with dragging a simple issue across days—it only reflects a narrow mindset that obstructs progress. Leadership, after all, is about breaking barriers, not building them.

In my office, for instance, no one—students included—needs to knock or seek permission to enter my space. I try to lead by example and this small practice embodies my philosophy: power should not erect barriers but dissolve them.

My approach extends beyond open doors; it’s about open interactions. Not only can my team approach me without hesitation, but I make it a point to step into their spaces as well, ensuring a reciprocal flow of communication. Hierarchies dissolve when leaders become part of the team rather than sitting atop it.

Take this New Year, for example. Instead of expecting greetings to come to me, I visited each of my team members personally to extend my wishes. It’s in these small, thoughtful gestures that a culture of playfulness and camaraderie is nurtured—a culture where connections are genuine, laughter is shared, and the weight of formality gives way to the lightness of collaboration.

How do you draw parallels between a structured professional environment and a creative space like the National School of Drama (NSD)? In your opinion, what makes theatre relevant in today’s fast-paced, goal-oriented world? 

In a professional setting, people often operate like the hands of a clock—precise, synchronized, and mechanical. While this efficiency is essential, it often comes at the cost of personal desires and creative freedom. When the rhythm of daily tasks, deadlines, and pressure takes over, life itself can feel distant, almost forgotten. As we progress in life, we tend to confine ourselves to predefined roles—roles that often overlook the expansive, multifaceted nature of life itself. But life is not just about roles defined by the office or society; it’s about the spaces in between, the fluidity, and the stories that lie beyond structure. This is where theatre comes alive.

Theatre is a mirror of society, reflecting every emotion, every character, and every possible human experience. As outlined in the Natya Shastra, it is a form of Natya Kreeda or the “play of roles.” Theatre invites us to step into countless shoes, to imagine and embody different lives, perspectives, and emotions. This act of transformation goes beyond mere performance; it’s an exercise in empathy, a way of reconnecting with the deeper currents of life that we often lose touch with in our day-to-day routines. By stepping into multiple roles, theatre breaks the monotony, releasing creative energy and offering a form of stress relief. It rejuvenates the spirit, restoring the emotional connection to society that might fade under the weight of everyday demands.

Through theatre, individuals tap into a well of imagination that not only revitalizes their personal energy but also amplifies their ability to engage meaningfully with the world. The freedom to explore, play, and express within the framework of theatre has always held relevance, offering a dynamic counterbalance to the rigid structures of professional life. It’s this very relevance, this vibrancy, that makes theatre timeless and essential in our world.

How can organizations draw lessons from the world of theatre to integrate elements of creativity, lightheartedness and connectedness into daily work practices? 

Theatre is a dynamic platform for holistic personality development. The Natya Shastra is not merely a guide to dance or music; it is a comprehensive treatise on life itself. It’s named Natya—a play—because life, in its essence, is a performance, a constant act of role-playing. Our ancestors, with their profound wisdom, must have understood this truth, which is why they conceived a text that embraced not just dance and music, but also creative writing, communication, and so much more. It brings together diverse elements—creative expression, verbal articulation, and public speaking—into one space where they can flourish in harmony.

For instance, when we engage in role-playing, we’re not merely performing; we’re connecting with a wide spectrum of issues, emotions, and perspectives. This connection nurtures emotional intelligence, making us more attuned to ourselves and to others. Theatre, in its depth, expands our interpersonal relationships from superficial exchanges to a profound connectedness with society itself. It’s about stepping into the shoes of others and understanding their struggles, their joys, and their human experience.

Through elements like storytelling, scene-building, character exploration, and theatre games, individuals develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and creativity—all of which are vital in both personal and professional spheres.

Incorporating and implementing such practices into the workplace, say on weekends, can lead to multi-layered development, enriching individuals not only as professionals but as well-rounded human beings. In the West, there’s even a practice called “theatre therapy,” where individuals trained in this art form work as psychological practitioners, treating patients with the power of role-play and empathy. This practice is recognized in countries like the US and the UK, where theatre therapy practitioners are regarded as legitimate healthcare professionals, sometimes even as psychiatrists.

Natya Shastra has long alluded to this therapeutic aspect of theatre, though many are still unaware of this profound connection. If society were to embrace theatre as a regular part of life—not just as an artistic pursuit but as a tool for emotional growth and social bonding—we could witness a remarkable shift, not only in how we engage with each other but in how we transform ourselves.

How do you ensure that a culture of playfulness resonates across generational divides? How do generational differences shape the dynamics of creativity and collaboration in a professional setting? 

My perspective on this is a bit different. I believe that, at their core, human needs and behaviours have remained largely unchanged across generations. Whether you’re from the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z, the fundamental desire for peace, happiness, and fulfilment—the universal longing for Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina—is timeless. This is a truth that transcends time and culture. We are fortunate to belong to a country with ancient, profound traditions where great intellectual minds have long articulated these universal truths. Our sages and philosophers have always spoken of these constants in human nature.

So, when we talk about Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or whatever the next labels may be, I think we’re getting caught up in jargon. The fundamental truths of life, the core human emotions, and the drive for connection and growth—these things remain the same across time. If you look at Spielberg’s E.T. and Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom, the essence of both films is strikingly similar. The alien in E.T. awakens profound emotions in the human heart, much like the young boy in Masoom stirs a deep emotional response. The medium may differ, but the emotions are universal, bridging the gap between generations.

So, in a corporate setup, creativity and playfulness can be integrated across generations by focusing on these shared, timeless human experiences. We may use different tools, platforms, and technologies, but the emotional core—the universal human connection—remains the same.

You have beautifully shared some snippets of your philosophy of life. How can our readers integrate some of these transformative elements into their own personal or professional journeys? 

I view life as a river—flowing, ever-moving, and unstoppable, like the sacred Ganga. The Ganga, in its early stages, is narrow and humble, but as it flows towards the plains, it widens and gains strength, becoming a mighty force revered by millions. But even as it reaches its grandeur, she does not stop flowing—her journey is continuous. When the Ganga encounters a boulder, she doesn’t waste her energy fighting it. She simply takes a detour and continues her journey. Let that be our mantra: keep doing your work, stay focused, and don’t let unnecessary distractions drain your energy.

Shed the heavy baggage of ego and an inflated sense of self. Embrace every moment with lightness and joy. Live by the wisdom of ‘karma kar, aur phal ki chinta mat kar’. Life is a flow, and we are meant to move with it, not against it.

No achievement in life is the ultimate achievement. These are just moments in the journey, not the destination. As long as you are alive, believe in your limitless potential and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Remember, even in the grand narrative of the Mahabharata, when Shri Krishna himself stood on the battlefield with all his divine power, he didn’t magically resolve every challenge. Arjuna had to endure the loss of his son, and Draupadi had to face humiliation in a courtroom full of people. Life brings its share of harsh realities and trials, and no one escapes them entirely.

So, flow with life. Accept its challenges and cherish its beauty. Trust in your path, and never stop believing in your strength to keep moving forward.