Theatre will always be relevant’ : Bhanu Bharti in Natrang’s International Theatre Talk Show

Jammu : Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, eminent playwright, theatre director, Shri Bhanu Bharti ameliorated Natrang’s International Theatre Talk Show today live on its Facebook Page where he shared his distinctive vision of theatre with the global audience. Director Natrang, Padmashri Balwant Thakur expressed his gratitude towards the eminent theatre personalities of India and abroad who have made this talk show remarkable with their presence. This is pertinent to mention here that this theatre talk show of Natrang, which is gloriously progressing towards its culmination, has featured some of the most celebrated theatre personalities of India and abroad who have earned international repute because of their immense contribution to the field of theatre.

 Introducing Shri Bhanu Bharti, Natrang’s senior artist Neeraj Kant informed that Shri Bhanu Bharti is a senior graduate of the National School of Drama where he won the Best All Round Student and the Best Director awards upon his graduation in 1973. He has also studied the traditional theatre of Japan at the University of Tokyo. An eminent theatre director, he has over fifty remarkable productions to his credit including Ras Gandharva; his own adaptation of a Chinese tale, Chandrama Singh urf Chamku; Azar ka Khwab, and Yamgatha. Based on his study of the performances and rituals of the Bhil tribe of the Mewar region of Rajasthan, he has produced plays like Pashu Gayatri, Kal Katha, and Amar Beej. He has also directed a film on Gavari, the dance-theatre of the Bhils. Shri Bhanu Bharti headed the Drama Department of Rajasthan University, Jaipur, from its inception in 1976 up to 1978. He has also taught dramatic literature, scenic design, and acting in other institutions including the National School of Drama. He has served as Director of the Shri Ram Centre for Arts and Culture, Delhi, and of the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur. For a term, he was the Chairman of Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi. The Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi honoured Shri Bhanu Bharti in 1989 for his play Chandrama Singh urf Chamku. He received the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for direction in 1992. Shri Bhanu Bharti is also a recipient of prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Indian theatre as director.

 In an enriching session, Shri Bhanu Bharti very logically and convincingly highlighted the relevance and importance of theatre citing that despite having so many mediums of storytelling like television, films etc. theatre has secured its own distinctive place because of its unique nature he also asserts that theatre would always remain relevant and important for the mankind. Very symbolically, he offered a point of pondering that just like a painting belongs to its painter, novel belongs to its writer, music belongs to its composer, whom does theatre belong to? Playwright, Director, Actor or Audience? And also answered it wisely that unlike other arts, it does not belong to a single individual, theatre is a composite art which assimilates contribution of all including the audience. Thus, he considers it a great ‘Melting Pot’. He believes that togetherness is a basic human need and theatre makes it possible. He implies that theatre is called as ‘Anushthaana’ in Indian classical theatre which speaks about its importance and acceptance in the society. He also discussed about the different challenges before mankind, including how humans can preserve their identity in the coming century. Referring to the present crises due to corona pandemic, he metaphorically discussed that ‘social bonding’ has been replaced by ‘social distancing’ and these challenges are new to humans but optimistic Bhanu hopes for better times very soon. He also informed about how theatre has rejuvenated itself during the last few decades and has developed in multi directions. He believes that theatre connects us to our roots and teaches us to be together. He also interestingly states that no performance is ever repeated in theatre even if there are same actors, same play, same auditorium etc., this spontaneity is very unique in theatre which makes it live and continuous.  An eminent personality of Indian theatre, Bhanu Bharti modestly asserts that he considers himself blessed to start his theatre journey under mentorship of Ebrahim Alqazi he also feels fortunate to have worked with some of the brilliant actors like Naseeruddin Shah Om Puri, Manohar Singh, Mohan Maharishi, B. Jayashri, Surekha Sikri, Uttra Baokar, Jyoti Deshpandey, Himani Shivpuri, Ravi Khanvilkar, Yashpal Sharma, Teekam Joshi, Ila Arun and more. Answering to the questions of the participants he states that acting is a lifelong passion and an actor has to empty himself to imbibe the character into his being. Regarding theatre training workshops, he opines that short-term workshops may not make you master of the art but if conducted by well-mean trainers, these would definitely provide a good orientation which proves very useful.

Those who are coordinating this mega online event include Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Suresh Kumar, Sanjeev Gupta, Vikrant Sharma, Sumeet Sharma, Aarushi Thakur Rana, Mohd. Yaseen, Gauri Thakur, Mahikshit Singh, Pankush Verma  and  Rahul Singh.