Norah Richards remembered on her 150th birthday

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 30

The 150th birthday of Norah Richards, the grand old lady of Punjabi theatre, was celebrated on Friday at Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar. In this event, organised by Punjabi Culture and Folklore Study Centre of the college, noted writer and director Sardarjeet Bawa acted as the key speaker.

Norah Richards who is also referred to as ‘’Punjbai Natak Di Nakkardadi’’, tutored the likes of Prithviraj Kapoor and IC Nanda in Punjbai theatre. Her home and workshop at Andretta was frequented by acclaimed theatrists and also became a settlement of Punjab artists under her initiative. Speaking on the occasion, Sardarjeet Bawa highlighted the contribution of Norah Richards to the development of Punjabi drama. Welcoming the chief Guest, the college principal Dr GS Samra reiterated the commitment of the college to promotion of Punjabi culture and said the centre had been established with the same purpose. He also added that the organisation of Bhangra World Cup was a step in the same direction.

The head of Punjabi department Dr GS Buttar informed the audience about the beginning and development of Punjabi theatre.