Home > Entertainment > Bollywood > Shah Rukh Khan Biography > Theatre Action Group (TAG): The Stage That Shaped Legends
Founded in the early 1980s in New Delhi, Theatre Action Group (TAG) quickly became one of India’s most influential and respected theater collectives. Known for its experimental approach to drama and for nurturing some of the country’s most talented actors, TAG’s contributions to Indian theater are both rich and enduring. At the helm of this movement was renowned theater director Barry John, whose guidance shaped the lives of countless actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, India’s most famous film star.
The Theatre Action Group (TAG) was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of Indian theater. Founded by Barry John, a visionary director from the UK who moved to India in the 1960s, TAG became a space for young, aspiring actors to experiment with their craft. Unlike many traditional theater groups that focused on classical Indian stories, TAG was known for its experimental plays, often touching on contemporary social issues, human emotions, and psychological depth.
TAG’s legacy is rooted in its approach to acting. Barry John introduced his students to Stanislavski’s method of acting, a technique that emphasized emotional truth and the actor’s connection with the character. This method was groundbreaking in Indian theater, as it encouraged actors to live their roles rather than just perform them. The environment at TAG was one of creative freedom, exploration, and discipline, attracting a dedicated group of actors who sought more than just fame—they wanted to understand the art of performance.
Before Shah Rukh Khan became a household name in Bollywood, he was an aspiring actor looking for direction. His time with Theatre Action Group under the mentorship of Barry John played a crucial role in shaping his acting career. While attending Hansraj College in New Delhi, Shah Rukh Khan became involved with TAG, and it was here that he discovered his love for acting. His experience with TAG not only honed his acting skills but also gave him the confidence and discipline that would later define his career in film.
At TAG, Shah Rukh Khan quickly became one of the standout performers. Barry John has often praised Shah Rukh’s natural talent, recalling how even as a young actor, he had an infectious energy and a magnetic stage presence. The rigorous training at TAG gave Shah Rukh a foundation in method acting, which allowed him to tap into his emotions, creating a deep connection with his characters.
Shah Rukh was involved in several TAG productions, performing in plays that dealt with complex psychological themes and explored various human emotions. His ability to take on diverse roles and portray characters with depth and sincerity made him a favorite among his peers and mentors.
More than just a student of acting, Shah Rukh Khan was known for his leadership within the group. He was someone who not only excelled on stage but also inspired others to push the boundaries of their performances. His time at TAG was essential in shaping the actor he would later become, one capable of playing roles that ranged from the romantic hero to the intense anti-hero in Bollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan’s time at TAG also fostered lifelong friendships and professional relationships. His bond with Barry John remains strong to this day, with Shah Rukh often crediting him as the person who helped shape his approach to acting. Barry John, in turn, has referred to Shah Rukh as one of his most dedicated and hardworking students.
In addition to his relationship with Barry John, Shah Rukh formed close ties with other aspiring actors at TAG, many of whom have also gone on to make their mark in Indian cinema and theater. The camaraderie and collaborative spirit that existed within TAG helped Shah Rukh understand the importance of teamwork, trust, and creativity—qualities that would later prove invaluable in his film career.
The Theatre Action Group has produced several notable alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to Indian theater, film, and television. Some of the most recognized names include:
These individuals, like Shah Rukh Khan, have carried the legacy of TAG forward, representing the school of thought that acting is not just about performance but about emotional truth and connection.
The influence of TAG and Barry John’s mentorship extends beyond the individual success stories of its alumni. TAG helped change the landscape of Indian acting by introducing a more natural, realistic approach to performance. This shift was crucial in the late 1980s and early 1990s when Indian cinema was beginning to evolve, moving away from formulaic performances toward more nuanced storytelling.
For Shah Rukh Khan, TAG’s teachings were invaluable. His ability to seamlessly switch between characters, to portray vulnerability, intensity, and humor with equal ease, can be traced back to his training with TAG. In many ways, the emotional depth and commitment that Shah Rukh brings to his roles are a direct reflection of the method acting techniques he learned at TAG.
Shah Rukh Khan joined TAG while studying at Hansraj College in New Delhi. His passion for acting grew under the mentorship of Barry John, who led the group.
Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, notable TAG alumni include actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Saurabh Shukla, both of whom have had significant careers in Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan’s training at TAG under Barry John helped him develop a deep understanding of method acting, which laid the foundation for his success in Bollywood.
TAG, led by Barry John, focused on Stanislavski’s method of acting, which emphasizes emotional truth, realism, and connecting deeply with the character.
