Theatre festival begins today in Jammu

Tribune News service

Jammu, April 20

“Natya Utsav”, aimed at paying tributes to legendary theatre personality of the state Kavi Rattan Sharma, is all set to begin on April 21.

Six plays of different genres and compositions will be staged during the festival. These include “Aadhe Adhure”, “Dak Ghar”, “Saas Puraan”, “Panch Parpanch Mujrim Main Nahin”, “Par Main Hi Hun” and “Bali Aur Shambhu”.

Cultural critic Ravinder Kaul termed Kavi Rattan as a genius and a pioneer in the state theatrical milieu.

“He was the only National School of Drama passout who returned to his state to pass on the legacy to theatre aspirants while others of his ilk like MK Raina, Ravi Braroo and Bansi Kaul moved forward to Mumbai and other states,” said Kaul.

Mushtaq Kak, Natya Utsav director and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, said paying tributes to the iconic theatre personality of the state was his long-cherished dream. He said he wanted to fulfil the same by holding a theatre festival on his name.

“No government support or any aid from any organisation or individual has been taken to conduct Natya Utsav. I, along with many stalwarts of theatre in the state, have worked under Kavi ji, which had been a turning point in my life. I am indebted to him,” said Mushtaq Kak.