Kenneth Desai on the Craft of Acting: Finding Truth in the Imaginary
June 5, 2025 15:52:56 IST MTG editorial
Veteran actor Kenneth Desai has spent decades performing across theatre, television, and film. But beyond the applause and lights, his understanding of acting has steadily evolved into something quieter "and more personal. Today, he sees the craft not as a means to impress, but as a journey inward.
In the early days of his career, like many aspiring actors, Desai was driven by the allure of admiration. Over time, however, the pursuit of external validation gave way to a deeper question: What makes a performance truly believable?
That question led him to the realization that acting, at its core, is not about being seen, but about fully believing in the world one is portraying.
"To make the audience believe in you," Desai says, "you have to believe in the story first."
His approach prioritizes internal conviction over external polish. According to Desai, performances that resonate come from actors who are able to ground themselves in the imaginary "allowing the fictional to feel real, both for themselves and for their audiences.
This philosophy underpins his work with younger actors, including those he would be mentoring at Act-Atainment, a performance-focused training initiative. His focus there is less on dramatic flair and more on the fundamentals: imagination, observation, and emotional discipline.
Desai also challenges the assumption that acting is instinctive or easy. He sees it instead as rigorous, layered work "one that demands sensitivity, honesty, and patience. For him, it is the quiet, often unseen labour behind a role that makes the visible performance impactful.
In a fast-paced industry that often prioritizes show over substance, Desai's perspective offers a grounding reminder: that the power of acting lies not in performance alone, but in the willingness to engage truthfully with fiction.
Building on these ideas, Kenneth Desai will soon be leading Beyond the Lines, a six-weekend intensive acting workshop starting June 21st at Act-Atainment. The programme is designed to deepen actors' understanding of their craft, focusing on the inner work that shapes authentic and compelling performances.
*Mumbai Theatre Guide takes no responsibility for change in schedule.
