At 22, Pathankot girl makes it to National School of Drama

Rachna Gupta, 22, has brought laurels not only to the town but the entire state after she succeeded in getting admission to the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, becoming the youngest student to make to the prestigious institution ever.

Popularly known as Babu, Rachna was among 13 candidates out of 2,500 from across the country, who were selected in general category. She was also approached by theatre artists from Chandigarh where she was acting for Aaghaaz Drama Club when she studied at DAV College, Chandigarh.

Just 5 feet tall, she has won applause for playing the role of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s mother in a play which was staged in Kolkata, Mumbai and Kurukshetra in Haryana.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Rachna said since her grandfather, former BJP MLA Chhajju Ram Sahib, was the founder member of Krishna Dramatic Club in the town, she developed fascination for stage right from her childhood.

She says her talent was recognised by senior NSD actors and actors of the like of Ayushmann Khurrana, Himani Shivpuri, Kirron Kher among others. She said though she does not have Bollywood in her mind but she would definitely be part of art films.

“I would like to work with actors such as Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Himani Shivpuri who are NSD alumni. If I get a chance to work with these people I would further polish my acting skills,” she concluded.

Rachna’s father Parveen Kumar Gupta said he is proud to be father of Rachna when daughters are not welcome in the society.