From Rejection to Recognition: Jaipur’s Abhishek Mudgal joins NSD as stage manager

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In 2012, a young theatre artiste from Jaipur stood outside the National School of Drama’s (NSD) audition hall in New Delhi. It was his first attempt at joining the country’s most prestigious theatre institute—a dream he had nurtured since discovering his passion for the stage. But the verdict was clear: he did not make it. Three more attempts followed in the years to come, each ending in disappointment.

Fast forward to 2024, and that artiste, Abhishek Mudgal, is no longer knocking at NSD’s doors. Instead, he is walking in as a stage manager—a government role in the very institution that once rejected him. “It’s not talent alone that gets you to the top; it is persistence and the courage to keep going despite the odds,” says Mudgal, reflecting on his 18-year journey in theatre.

Crafting a Legacy

Mudgal’s theatre career began in Jaipur in 2006, when he attended a workshop at Jawahar Kala Kendra. What followed was a deep and consuming love for the art form. Over nearly two decades, he has performed in over 2,000 street plays and more than 200 stage shows. As a director, his productions—such as Rashmirathi, Mahabrahman, and Alfaaz e Ismat —have earned widespread acclaim.

But Mudgal did not just stop at performing or directing. He took his passion for theatre beyond the stage, curating events like the Jaipur International Theatre Festival and Rang Rajasthan. His initiatives have provided platforms for budding artists and introduced audiences to the richness of theatre.

Triumphs and Trials

Mudgal’s rise in the theatre world is marked by significant accolades. He has won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Jaipur Karmath Yuva Samman and received both a scholarship and fellowship from the Ministry of Culture. In 2022, the Inlaks Theatre Award took him to Europe, where he researched stage management practices across four countries, further refining his craft.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. For the first 10 years of his career, his family struggled to understand his passion for theatre. “No one liked my stepping onto the stage,” he recalls. Today, his father speaks proudly of his achievements, calling his appointment at NSD a well-earned success.

Mudgal’s selection as a stage manager at NSD was a rigorous process involving four rounds: a written exam, a skill test, a stage management technique evaluation, and an interview with NSD’s Director, Registrar, and Ministry of Culture officials. For Mudgal, the role is not just a professional milestone—it is personal validation.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Even during the pandemic, when theatres worldwide were shuttered, Mudgal found ways to keep the art form alive. With guidance from his mentor, Sartaj Narayan Mathur, he created a small stage at home to host performances, ensuring the energy of theatre didn’t dim even in difficult times.

Prior to his appointment at the National School of Drama, Abhishek Mudgal served as the Programme Officer at Rajasthan International Centre (RIC). In this role, he was instrumental in curating and managing cultural events that brought together artists, intellectuals, and audiences to celebrate art and creativity.

During his tenure, Mudgal seamlessly blended his passion for theatre with his administrative expertise, creating meaningful programs that enriched the city’s cultural landscape. His work at RIC further solidified his reputation as a versatile and committed contributor to the arts.

As he begins his journey at NSD, Mudgal remains grounded and grateful. He credits his success to his mentors, Sandeep Madan and Sartaj Narayan Mathur, who he says have been his guiding stars.

Abhishek Mudgal’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unflinching belief in the transformative power of art. From facing repeated rejections to becoming a key part of India’s premier theatre institute, his journey inspires all who dare to dream big.