Popular southern actress Madhoo, who is set to make her theatre debut, says one can't compare the medium with cinema because theatre is done for the joy of a performer, and not for money.

Madhoo will debut with the stage adaption of "The Verdict", which will be performed Aug 15 in Mumbai.

"I believe theatre is the last place one would want to be in for money. It's mostly done for the joy of a performer. I have been told that actors such as Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher take out time for theatre because they enjoy doing it," Madhoo told.

"All these actors never quit theatre because they are addicted to it. We can't compare theatre with cinema because the economics attached to them is totally different. Theatre rarely has any repeat value and offers very little monetary benefit," she added.

Madhoo wanted to challenge herself with theatre.

"I don't have any theatre experience, but I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see will I be able hold myself on stage. I was piqued by the strange nervousness to perform live in front of a live audience. I wanted to know if I can pull it off without retakes," she said.

"The Verdict", directed by Divya Palat, also features Tanisha Mukerji, Dalip Tahil, Aditya Hitkari and Vivan Bhatena.

Quizzed if she wants to nurture a career in theatre, Madhoo said: "I don't have a logical answer for that. I would love to do something exciting but I don't know when I will say yes or no. I have something exciting lined up and I'm looking forward to it".

Meanwhile, Madhoo is also awaiting the release of her comeback film in Telugu "Anthaku Mundhu Aa Tharuvatha", in which she plays the role of a mother.