St. Xavier’s College ropes in actor Koneenica Banerjee for Theatrixmas workshop

Tollywood actress Koneenica Banerjee taught students how to grow as an actor at Theatrixmas – a five-day celebrity workshop organized by Xaverian Theatrical Society of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata on December 23.

The Mukherjee Dar Bou actress had started her acting workshop during the pandemic. Edugraph caught up with her during Theatrixmas.

Here are excerpts from the session:

• You should know in your heart what type of actor you want to be, whether you want to work in television, film or theatre. All three genres of acting are different. I began my career with theatre, when I was 12 years old.
• Sometimes, I recall my childhood days when I was a six-year-old…. I enjoy daydreaming. In today’s world, we don’t do this since everyone is engrossed in their phones, playing games. We actors don’t get time to play games because we are immersed in our own virtual world. This virtual world can be anywhere and it can be created by anyone, be it a farmer or a trekker; it doesn't require any money.
• The most important aspect of imagination is observation. When we are travelling, we are mostly engrossed in our phones, missing out on the expressions of our fellow passengers. We can’t express a person’s emotions if we don’t comprehend them. Thus, imagination can only come from observation.
• During the pandemic, I launched the Koneenica Acting Workshop on the spur of the moment, utilising my skills as an actor. We need to keep ourselves joyful, especially during this pandemic. As an actress, I have to practise every day, hence the workshop.
• The more you talk, watch and comprehend people, the more you will grow and evolve as an actor.
• Keep an eye on individuals wherever you go. Acting can be learned at any time. Teachers and abilities are required for studying acting, but the class never ends. Daily practice is required. I am still learning something new every day. As an actor, you must be aware of your surroundings.