A Proud Sanatani Who Thrived in the Communist World | Abhishek Iyengar | WeMove Theatre | Business Giseness

This episode of Business Giseness features Abhishek Iyengar, a playwright, director, actor, and co-founder of WeMove Theatre, one of Bengaluru’s leading contemporary theatre groups.

His journey began far from the stage  in the world of software engineering. But one decision changed everything: he stepped away from a stable tech career and chose theatre as his life’s calling. What followed was a journey of over 21 years, 14+ original productions, and more than 350 live performances, proving that theatre is not a dying art form but a timeless one.

Through WeMove Theatre, Abhishek has played a key role in shaping modern Kannada and Indian theatre, blending storytelling, performance, and cultural depth into impactful stage productions.

This conversation also explores the evolution of theatre in India  , how it has survived the rise of radio, television, cinema, and now OTT platforms, while continuing to hold its emotional power and artistic relevance.

He shares insights into the creative life cycle of a play, differences between Indian and Western theatre traditions, and the realities of building a theatre company from the ground up in a highly competitive cultural space.

The discussion further touches on identity, expression, and creative freedom within the arts ecosystem, offering a rare perspective on staying true to one’s beliefs while working in a complex artistic environment.

This is a story of courage, conviction, and the power of live storytelling where passion becomes performance, and performance becomes purpose.