COMPLETE PERFORMER LUSHIN DUBEY PHOTO : V V KRISHNAN

"Acting is a wrong word. It's not 'acting', it's 'feeling'." Veteran ac- Lushin Dubey does not 'become' but 'is' the character on stage. In "Salaam India," brought by Theatre World and Airtel, recently to Delhi, she is four different women. Directed by her, the play is inspired by Pavan K. Varma's "Being Indian".

The play shifts between four separate narratives and scenarios. Through insightful and in-telligent humour it reveals India’s idiosyncrasies. But with deft respect it also illuminates Indian Phenomena like jugad, dhandha, the return of the Diaspora and the dowry system. Set in Delhi- from south Extension to the bastis- the play peals away some of Delhi’s differing layers. With plans to travel with it, Dubey says, "Delhi-centric is now India-Centric. With subtle differences there is a heterogeneous sameness in India."

The first challenge of the play was to convert a novel into a script. Eyes hidden behind glasses, she says, "With a novel there is a lot of fodder, but there is not thread. You have all these different ingredients and you have to bake them together." But with the help of "Nicholas Kharkongor the play succeeds as a comprehensive script and not just a summary of the book. Even when dealing with topics like national identify or progress, it retains a certain buoyancy. Dubey explains that this treatment is true to our country’s nature. "There’s lightness of being. It’s a strength which stems from our roots, from our family support…"

It doesn't bring forth a chest-beating patriotism. Instead, it is a quiet confidence that comes from accepting who we are.

Each of the four actors plays multiple roles. This method is both convenient and effective for Dubey. A smaller cast expedites travel. It's also a way of maintaining control. "When you feel very strongly about a role and have conceived it yourself, it's often easier to just play it oneself." Theatrically also, the shifts are both exciting and challenging.

While she is actor and director in "Salaam India", Dubey asserts, "I love directing. But will not give up my acting." In 1995, she set up Untitled Players Guild that staged Shakespearean productions. She has travelled extensively with "Bitter Chocolate", based on Pinki Virani's book, and "Muskaan", on HIV. Having traversed through Shakespearean and social plays, this quintessential stage actor says she enjoys being different passion. But she adds, "I love my play 'Untitled', which will be going to Dubai soon. I play 10 characters in it. It's my most memorable. It was my first solo with puppets. The demands were tremendous."

Having started Kidsworld with her cousin Bubbles Sabharwal in 1987, this childhood and special education specialist knows that talent is found unexpectedly. She feels that other than passion and practice, actors need encouragement. "A pat on the back makes a lot of difference," she says with a teacher's fondness.

Having acted in about nine films, she says, "Theatre and film are my friends." She adds, "On screen, less is more and on stage sometimes more is not enough!"

An idea has now taken seed in her mind. She plans to work on a play on foeticide.