LUCKNOW, Jun 13: Eminent theatre director and Padma Shri awardee Balwant Thakur met Dr. Rati Shankar Tripathi, Chairman of the Bhartendu Natya Academy (Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts), at the academy’s majestic campus in Lucknow today. The meeting assumed special significance as the academy is currently celebrating its golden jubilee year, marking fifty glorious years of dedicated service to theatre education and cultural development in India.
Bhartendu Natya Academy, an autonomous institution of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, has played a pioneering role in promoting theatre and nurturing generations of actors, directors, designers and theatre educators. Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading centres of theatre training, the academy has contributed significantly to the growth of Indian theatre and theatre education on lines comparable to the National School of Drama.
Dr. Ratishankar Tripathi, a distinguished theatre and film actor-producer, is known for his remarkable contributions to stage and screen. His acclaimed performances in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Super 30, and Tere Ishk Mein have earned him recognition across the country. During the meeting, the two theatre stalwarts discussed possibilities for academic collaboration, artist exchanges, innovative training methodologies and future initiatives aimed at strengthening theatre education and expanding its relevance in contemporary society.
Balwant Thakur, who has devoted more than four decades to theatre, shared his global perspective and vision for the future of the performing arts. Recognized internationally for his pathbreaking work, Thakur has directed hundreds of productions, represented India at prestigious international theatre festivals, and pioneered several innovative theatre movements. His efforts have consistently focused on taking theatre beyond conventional performance spaces and making it an instrument of education, social transformation and community engagement.
Particular emphasis was laid on children’s theatre and the urgent need to introduce theatre as an integral component of the educational curriculum. Thakur highlighted how theatre can nurture creativity, communication skills, emotional intelligence, leadership qualities and critical thinking among students across all disciplines. He advocated a new age theatre movement that connects performing arts with mainstream education, skill development and holistic personality growth.
Sharing his vision, Thakur emphasized that the future of theatre lies in creating wider constituencies by integrating theatre practices into schools, colleges and universities, while simultaneously embracing technological innovations and contemporary pedagogies. Both agreed that collaborative efforts between institutions can play a transformative role in revitalizing theatre education and preparing a new generation of culturally aware, creative and socially responsible citizens.
On the occasion Balwant Thakur also presented his monograph for the library of the Bhartendu Natya Academy.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with a shared commitment to exploring future partnerships and initiatives for the advancement of theatre and theatre education in India.