Samikssha Batnagar to Make Her Production Debut with ‘Shikhandi’

Samikssha Batnagar is stepping beyond television with Shikhandi, her first production under Samikssha Stage Craft. The musical theatre presentation revisits the lesser-explored journey of Shikhandi from the Mahabharata, focusing on the character’s emotional struggles and transformation.

The play is scheduled to premiere on September 26, 2026, at St. Andrews Auditorium in Bandra. For Samikssha, the project is not simply a theatrical adaptation of an epic character but an attempt to explore the experiences that shaped Shikhandi’s life.

A Story Waiting to Be Explored

Samikssha said the idea behind choosing Shikhandi came from her desire to present a story that audiences have not explored in depth.

According to the actress, Shikhandi is often remembered in connection with the larger events of the Mahabharata, while the character’s personal journey has received comparatively less attention.

“I wanted my first production to tell a story that people haven’t truly explored,” Samikssha said. “Shikhandi has always intrigued me—not just for who she became, but for the emotional journey behind her transformation.”

The production aims to explore the character’s pain, courage, rejection, sacrifice and determination, allowing audiences to view Shikhandi beyond her association with war and revenge.

Looking Beyond the Warrior Image

Preparing for the role has been an emotionally demanding experience for Samikssha. She believes that the character cannot be understood only through her identity as a warrior.

The actress is attempting to explore the personal experiences that influenced Shikhandi’s decisions and ultimately shaped the character’s transformation.

“I want audiences to witness her emotional journey—the pain, struggles, rejection and experiences that shaped her into Shikhandi,” she said.

This approach forms the emotional core of the production and gives the character a more layered theatrical interpretation.

Bringing Authenticity to the Portrayal

Samikssha is also paying close attention to the physical and vocal aspects of the role. She said portraying a transgender character requires detailed preparation, particularly when it comes to movement, voice and body language.

“Playing a transgender character as a woman is a challenge in itself,” she explained.

Director Kulvinder Bakshish Singh has been guiding her throughout the process. His inputs on voice modulation and physical expression have helped Samikssha work towards a portrayal that is authentic, nuanced and believable.

A Demanding Television-Theatre Schedule

The actress is developing Shikhandi while continuing to work on Anupamaa. Shooting for the television show almost every day, along with attending rigorous theatre rehearsals, has made the process challenging.

Despite the demanding routine, Samikssha said she has received wholehearted support from the Anupamaa team. She expressed her gratitude to Rajan Sir, Vivek Jain Sir and the production house for making adjustments to accommodate her theatre commitments.

Why Live Performance Matters to Her

For Samikssha, theatre has always been more than a professional opportunity. She describes the stage as a space where she feels connected, challenged and creatively fulfilled.

“Theatre feels like home to me,” she said, describing the immediate exchange of energy between performers and audiences as one of the most special aspects of live performance.

She also believes that every performance contributes to her growth as an actor. Her long-term ambition is to continue working on stage throughout her career.

With the guidance of Kulvinder Bakshish Singh, the support of presenter Abhishek Narayan and the efforts of the entire team, Samikssha sees Shikhandi as the beginning of an exciting new journey.

Her aim is to create a production that honours the story, makes the team proud and leaves audiences with a memorable theatrical experience.