Passion and some hope

She is known for her impressive body of work in theatre where she essays each role with impeccable finesse, be it a street woman on the stage, singing a folklore, or a feminist. Lushin has had a long, eventful journey in the theatre world.

From a shy, young girl, who was more of a ringside spectator than an active participator, she has blossomed into a fine actor offering her audience theatrical feasts that are at once subtly provoking, intellectually challenging, and highly entertaining.

There are many powerful productions to Lushin’s credit. The most recent one being Ji Saab Ji, set against the backdrop of terrorism and violence. “The play highlights humanism and how we tend to take this beautiful emotion for granted. It is an ode to my father who I lost two years ago,” she says.

Untitled and Bitter Chocolate have been two of her most outstanding solo portrayals. To add to it, Salaam India, in which she delivered an unforgettable performance, and her gritty and riveting performance as Lady Macbeth in Alyque Padamsee’s Macbeth. Lushin has also won one of the most prestigious Canada-based awards, the Gemini, for her performance in the film, Murder Unveiled. Yet, awards do not signify success for Lushin.

“You are successful in life only when you are able to touch lives and do something for the society at large. When I take up social issues on stage, the entire act is the prism through which, hopefully, my beliefs and convictions are reflected,” she says. She continues, “I like to take up issues that are contemporary and need attention. My productions are borne out of a desire in me to share something with my audience.” 
 
Lushin is content with life. “I practice Buddhism. For me, spirituality is about keeping my conscience clear. Chanting is one of the essential ways of connecting with the mystic law in the Soka Gakkai practice and I find it elevating and empowering. It makes you enter a realm of fearlessness and prevents mundane aspects of life, that can lead to a lower life force, from affecting you.”

Lushin strongly believes, “Being spiritual is actually not an easy thing. It entails a lot of hard work. It is certainly not as simple as going to a temple and reading spiritual texts or just saying you believe in god. It is about doing good deeds.”

What gives her happiness? “Happiness is an elusive thing — short lived and transient. Our practice puts us on the path of attainment of this happiness. It has to do a lot with altruism, but not at the cost of neglecting oneself. It is ultimately about finding the balance between it all.” 

Lushin feels she has been gifted with unique powers. “Had I not been involved in directing and acting, I think I would have been a painter or sculptor,” says Lushin. “I have painted a lot but not enough. My sister, Lillete, and my brother Patu, have always told me that I should do more of it. In fact, my sister insists I should concentrate on painting and have an exhibition one day. Perhaps, I will.” What is it that drives her? Pat comes the reply, “It is the conviction in my subject or product and the honesty I approach it with.”

On being a responsible wife and mother, Lushin recalls what her father always told her — ‘marry your passion before you marry a man.’ “When I was 16, this made no sense to me; it left me mystified. But today, I see the wisdom in those words. I do believe that a marriage to a passion, which is solely of your own making, makes you have self worth and love yourself,” she recalls. Compliments keep pouring in for Lushin and she accepts them with utmost graciousness and humility. She cherishes every word of appreciation she receives — Alyque Padamsee once said that she was the best English speaking actress he had ever come across; Dr Vikram Chopra, a professor who was an integral part in the setting up of the Shakespeare Society in St Stephens College, said, “Lushin Dubey is India’s answer to some of the legendary stage actresses of British theatre like Sarah Siddons, Peggy Ashcroft and Mrs Jameson.”

Ask her about her motto in life and she replies, “Woods are lovely dark and deep but miles to go before I sleep. There is so much to experience and so much to understand about life,” she says with a smile. “I would get bored if the mystery of what future holds for me gets planned today. I want to be surprised by every moment in life and not plan life ahead,” she signs off.