Even in Places Where His Scenes Are Not There, People Still Talk About Him": Yogesh Bhardwaj on Playing the Formidable Kotwal in ‘Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein’

Actor Yogesh Bhardwaj takes on the commanding role of the Kotwal in the acclaimed stage production Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein—a figure whose authority looms over the entire city, even in scenes where he isn't physically present. Described by other characters in the narrative as "a very dangerous man, a very fearsome man who chops heads off," the Kotwal commands immense narrative weight throughout the play.

Finding Balance Between Strength and Manipulation

Speaking about how he approached the psychological layers of such an intimidating character, Yogesh explains that he always starts by searching for overlapping traits within himself:

"Whenever I step into any character, the main thing I look at is what characteristics of this character are already present in my real self."

While projecting physical strength, an upright posture, and an iron grip over the city came naturally, tapping into the character’s manipulative side required deliberate craft. Describing himself as a very straightforward person in real life, Yogesh had to carefully navigate the Kotwal’s hidden biases:

"He has to show that he is the same for Hindus as he is for Muslims."

Balancing the Kotwal’s concealed soft corner for people of his own faith while maintaining a facade of strict neutrality became the central focus of his performance.

A Defining Scene of Shifting Loyalties

Among all his sequences in the play, one pivotal confrontation stayed with Yogesh the most. In this scene, a Mahant from a prominent Akhada approaches the Kotwal with a bribe and a request regarding a piece of land. Initially receptive, the Kotwal immediately reverses his stance the moment he discovers that the people set to be displaced are Muslims:

"He immediately flips his stance, telling the Mahant, 'I will think about your request.' In that scene itself, you realize that he is one thing in front of Hindus, but when it comes to Muslims, he is completely different for his own people."

Despite the intensity of the role, Yogesh notes that playing the Kotwal did not alter his personal worldview, as he has encountered similar duplicitous traits in real life. For him, theatre remains a sacred "soul space"—a sanctuary where he feels completely present the moment he steps onto the stage.

Timeless Lessons from Sant Kabir

Reflecting on what he carries forward from Sant Kabir’s teachings, Yogesh points to fearless honesty and simplicity: standing by the truth even when the entire world stands against you, and recognizing that finding God requires sincerity rather than elaborate rituals.

Urging today’s youth to experience the play, he emphasizes the importance of passing down meaningful literature, history, and stagecraft across generations. By witnessing how religion and caste are often manipulated for personal gain, he believes young audiences can look past divisive tactics and focus instead on building their careers and personal character.