[6] After graduating from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara Goutam Halder followed his heart into theatrical pursuits where he started gaining tutelage in Nandikar’s Comprehensive Theatre Training, 1986-87 where he gained knowledge, experience and practice under stalwarts like Rudraprasad Sengupta (Guru), Shombhu Mitra (Theatre legend), Khaled Chowdhury(Acclaimed scenographer), Tapas Sen (renowned Lighting Designer), Martin Russell (Fools Theatre, New York) among others.
[7] Halder’s career began with his portrayal of Jaisingha in Bisarjan at Bhatpara Sanskritik Chakra which had been directed by Hara Bhattacharya.
Following his start, he starred in other plays directed by Rudraprasad Sengupta like Shesh Shakkhatkar (1988), Sankhapurer Sukanya (1990)[11] and Pheriwalar Mrityu (1993).
[12] Apart from Nandikar, Goutam Halder has also worked with other troupes and played significant and leading roles in their productions.
They include Mephisto (2002),[13] Shah Jahan (Natyaranga, 2003), Meyeti (Kalyani Natyacharcha Kendra, 2008), Dream Dream (Sansriti, 2009), Bisarjan (Tritiyo Sutra, 2010), Itsy Bitsy (Hate Khori, 2012), Caligula (Prachyo, 2013), Altaf Gomes (Sansriti, 2013), Arabya Rajani (Paikpara Indraranga, 2014), Mumbai Nights (Minerva Repertoire Theatre, 2015), Kalkreta (Swapnalu, 2015), Ila Gurdhoisha (Theatre Platform, 2015), Nilima (Prachyo, 2016), Mudrarakhshash (Belgharia Angan, 2016) and Chayapother Seshe (Natyorongo, 2023).
[14] Goutam Halder made his directorial debut in Nandikar with Meghnadbadh Kabya[15] in 1995, followed by Nagar Kirtan (1997), Brechter Khonje (1998), Calcutta Calcutta (1999), Ei Sahar Ei Somoy (2000), Maramiya Mon (2000), Borda (2002), Kabye Gaane (2002), Sojon Badiyar Ghat (2003) and Amake Dekhun (2007).