I got the opportunity to act as Joan of Arc in a play staged for the Annual Day in 1983.

It was the first time that I had to act in a lead role in a play of a long duration, and that too of a historical character.

We used to practise extensively everyday after school and it was great fun apart from the hard work and effort. There was a lot of camaraderie between the various actors and the directing team. I remember that I had to even get an unusual haircut – a pageboy cut, in keeping with what Joan ofArc used to sport.

The last scene of the play was especially impressive to see and also in terms of staging because it had to show convincingly the scene of Joan of Arc being burnt at the stake, which was achieved by a very skilful light and shadows effect.

I also remember it as a special memory because after that play, Chachaji, who was very moved by the play, called me and gave me his blessings.