Lucknow's Theatre Icon Anil Rastogi Honors CDRI and Darpan with Padma Shri Dedication
Eminent Lucknow theatre personality Anil Rastogi, aged 83, has dedicated the prestigious Padma Shri award he received this year to his colleagues at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) and to the renowned theatre group Darpan. This heartfelt gesture highlights the dual passions that have defined his remarkable life journey.
From Scientific Research to Theatrical Passion
Rastogi, a scientist with an enduring passion for acting, began his professional journey at CDRI in 1962 as a junior research fellow. His introduction to theatre came through his maternal uncle, sparking what would become a lifelong devotion. His first significant theatrical experience came in 1961 with the play 'Noor Jahan', after which he confessed, "I got addicted to theatre."
Born and raised in Lucknow, Rastogi completed both his graduation and post-graduation from Lucknow University, establishing strong roots in the city's cultural and academic landscape.
A Prolific Career Across Multiple Mediums
Beyond his extensive theatre work, Rastogi has demonstrated remarkable versatility by acting in OTT series and approximately 70 feature films. The award-winning actor is particularly recognized for his memorable roles in television serial 'Udaan' and films including 'Ishaqzaade' and 'Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha'.
His artistic excellence has been acknowledged through numerous prestigious accolades:
- Kalidas Award
- Yash Bharti Award
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- UP Doordarshan Lifetime Achievement Award
The Transformative Darpan Experience
Rastogi's association with Darpan theatre group, which began in 1972, proved to be a pivotal chapter in his artistic development. He participated in numerous plays through the group and reflected on this experience with deep appreciation: "Darpan not only brushed my acting skills but also groomed my personality, and I became a more confident person as an actor and as a human."
He described joining Darpan as "a turning point in my life," noting that while he initially took up acting, he was also entrusted with managerial responsibilities that provided comprehensive understanding of theatre production. This multifaceted involvement taught him all aspects of theatrical work.
Acknowledging Support Systems
Rastogi emphasized the crucial support he received from CDRI colleagues and directors, stating that without their cooperation, "my passion for acting could not have been pursued." He specifically credited theatre doyen Raj Bisaria for motivating him to apply for the Padma Shri and writing the introduction for his application document, expressing sadness that Bisaria couldn't be present for the award ceremony.
The veteran actor also mentioned several challenging plays that tested his abilities, including 'Yahudi Ki Ladki', 'Sakharam Binder', and 'Daddy'.
Personal Sacrifices and Family Support
Rastogi shared touching insights about his wife Sudha's unwavering support during his demanding schedule. "During the day I had to rehearse and had to work late night at my lab, instead of going home so Sudha used to sleep on benches at the lab," he revealed. He added that she also assisted him in learning dialogues, demonstrating her integral role in his artistic journey.
The Joy of Recognition
Expressing profound joy about receiving the Padma Shri, Rastogi observed that "More than me, my friends are happy, which shows that I have not only earned fame but love and respect too." This statement reflects the deep connections he has forged through his decades of artistic and scientific contributions.
Anil Rastogi's story represents a unique intersection of scientific dedication and artistic excellence, showcasing how passion and perseverance can flourish across seemingly disparate fields when supported by collaborative communities and personal commitment.
