Lucknow Celebrates Theatre Icon Shankar Dayal Tewari's Legacy with Javed Akhtar
Lucknow's cultural scene was illuminated as the Urdu Academy organized the 36th commemorative ceremony to honor the 105th birth anniversary of renowned theatre personality Comrade Shankar Dayal Tewari. The event, held in the historic city, attracted a distinguished gathering of academicians, historians, and theatre practitioners, creating an atmosphere rich in nostalgia and artistic reverence.
Eminent Personalities Grace the Occasion
The ceremony saw the presence of veteran screenwriter, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar, who served as a key figure throughout the evening. Notable attendees included Surya Mohan Kulshrestha, Atul Tewari, Roop Rekha Verma, and Kiran Raj Bisaria, alongside several eminent members of Lucknow's cultural and theatre fraternity. The event highlighted the city's enduring connection to India's performing arts heritage.
Felicitations and Recognitions
The evening commenced with a significant moment as Javed Akhtar felicitated veteran theatre and film actor Dr. Anil Rastogi, who was recently honored with the Padma Shri award. This recognition underscored Dr. Rastogi's substantial contributions to Indian theatre, adding a layer of national acclaim to the local celebration. Other distinguished guests present included Dr. Anjali Tewari, Dr. Seema Modi, Dayanand Lal, Manorama Srivastava, Jyoti Chandra, and Dr. Purnima Pandey, among others.
Javed Akhtar's Reflective Session
The program's highlight was an engaging session led by Javed Akhtar, where he delved into his early years in Lucknow, sharing personal anecdotes rooted in the city's cultural ethos. He spoke eloquently about literature, language, and society, captivating the audience with insights into how Lucknow's environment shaped his creative journey. Additional attendees such as Anand Prakash Maheshwari, Mohammad Rashid, Anurag Mishra, and Athar Husain were part of this immersive discussion.
Legacy of Shankar Dayal Tewari
Theatre actor and writer Atul Tewari, son of the honoree, shared poignant reflections on his father's influential legacy. He emphasized, "His work was not limited to the stage alone but served as a means to keep a culture alive," highlighting how Shankar Dayal Tewari's contributions transcended theatrical boundaries to preserve cultural traditions. The event also featured appearances by Mridula Bhardwaj, Toral Bhansali, Varsha Shah, Ketki Parikh, Vinay Kumar Dwivedi, and Sudha Rastogi, enriching the communal tribute.
Interactive Conclusion
The evening concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer segment, where the audience actively engaged with Javed Akhtar. Participants inquired about his writing process and sources of poetic inspiration, with some requesting recitations of his popular couplets. The session ended on a lighter note as attendees asked him to choose his favorite poet between his father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, and his father-in-law, veteran Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi, showcasing the personal and professional dimensions of his literary life.
This gathering not only commemorated a theatre legend but also reinforced Lucknow's status as a hub for cultural discourse and artistic exchange, bridging generations through shared appreciation for the arts.
