Jammu, March 28: Natrang Jammu Friday celebrated the resounding success of its latest theatrical production by felicitating distinguished dignitaries and veteran artists following a mesmerising performance of Molière’s renowned play ‘Kauva Chala Hans Ki Chaal’.
The production, masterfully directed by National Award-winning theatre director Sumeet Sharma, enthralled a packed audience at Abhinav Theatre. The performance was supported by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary (Education), UT of J&K, attended as the Chief Guest, alongside other esteemed personalities, including Suresh Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, UT of J&K and Harvinder Kaur, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
Shantmanu commended Natrang’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the cultural landscape of the region. He lauded Padma Balwant Thakur for his exceptional contributions to theatre, highlighting the unparalleled quality and impact of his work. Suresh Gupta expressed his delight at witnessing such an outstanding performance by Natrang’s passionate artists, marking a fitting tribute to World Theatre Day. He praised the group’s relentless pursuit of excellence in theatre. Harvinder Kaur was also honoured on the occasion and applauded Natrang for delivering a performance of unmatched professional standards. Balwant Thakur extended gratitude to the esteemed guests for their contributions to promoting art and culture. He reiterated Natrang’s dedication to artistic excellence, having trained and nurtured hundreds of theatre artists shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
Veteran actor Anil Tickoo, the only recipient of SNA’s National Award for Theatre Acting from the region, played a leading role, elevating the performance’s impact. He was ably supported by senior Jammu theatre artists, including Neeraj Kant, Sanjeev Gupta and Sunita Pandit. Other talented Natrang actors who delivered flawless performances included Meenakshi Bhagat, Shivam Singh, Kanan Preet Kaur, Mihir Gujral, Aadesh Dhar, Sanket Bhagat, Mehak Chib, Ranjana Prasher Sharma, and Kartik Kumar. The production team included Suraj Ganjoo (lighting design and operation), Lokesh Chander (sound), Chander Shekhar and Soujanya Shekhar (graphics and design), and Kamal Sharma (makeup). Coordination was managed by Mohd. Yaseen and Palshin Dutta, while hall management was overseen by Vandana Thakur, Adaksh Bagal, Aryan Sharma, Mitali Sarmal, Simran Bhagat, Priyal Ashok Gupta and Prerna Sharma.
