Meet Padma Shri Barry John: Theater legend who mentored SRK-Bajpayee
What's the story
Barry John, the name synonymous with theater in Indian cinema, has shaped the careers of countless Bollywood stars, from Shah Rukh Khan to Manoj Bajpayee.
His legendary work and dedication to training actors have recently earned him the prestigious Padma Shri. John has also showcased his acting skills in films such as Gandhi, Miss Beatty's Children, Tamas, and Himalaya Darshan.
Here, we look back at his incredible journey and the lasting impact he has made on the industry.
Career progression
John's journey from NSD faculty to founding director
John's journey started in Delhi in the 1970s when he became a part of Yatrik—one of Delhi's oldest theater groups.
In 1973, he established the Theatre Action Group (TAG), which under his guidance, experimented with different forms of art until 1977.
John's career took off when he became a faculty member at the National School of Drama (NSD). He later became the founder-director of NSD's Theatre in Education Company.
Star mentorship
Acting guru behind Bollywood luminaries
John's influence goes beyond theater, having mentored several Bollywood luminaries.
He was instrumental in shaping the acting careers of Frieda Pinto, Richa Chadha, Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, SRK, and Bajpayee. However, he has modestly stayed away from taking credit for their success.
At the Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai in 2017, he said he didn't fashion Khan into the phenomenon he is today.
He admitted to their past collaboration but stressed Khan's trajectory went beyond his mentorship.
Lasting impact
Bajpayee reacted to John's Padma Shri honor with a note
Another of John's students, Bajpayee, has spoken highly of his mentor.
He recalled how John would sweep the floor in class, inspiring all students to join in without uttering a word.
"This is the lesson I have learned," Bajpayee shared.
After John was honored with the Padma Shri, Bajpayee reacted with a note on X/Twitter: "My teacher, my guardian BARRY JOHN featuring in the list of Padma recipients IS THE BEST NEWS for me in recent times."