In this unique publication on theatre performance, twenty-two critically acclaimed actors talk to us about their journeys–their lives and aspirations, their in-depth training, and lasting stage careers. The range of these stalwarts spanning the 1850s-1990s includes Binodini Dasi, Bal Gandharva, Fida Husain, Zohra Segal, Sombhu Mitra, Shreeram Lagoo, Utpal Dutt, Manohar Singh, Uttara Baokar, Naseerudin Shah, Heisnam Sabitri and Maya Krishna Rao, among many others. Researched over a decade, The Act of Becoming is set against India’s struggle for Independence. Side-by-side, this book also explores the complexities of women actors trying to gain acceptance in public life as professionals.