Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 15: The ultimate cultural movement of J&K, popularly known as ‘Natrang’ today completed 40 years of its existence.
With a record of over 7,200 events to its credit, Natrang created a history for having participated in over 350 national and international cultural and theatre festivals. Founder Director Natrang, Padamshree Balwant Thakur expressed heartiest gratitude to everyone who contributed for the growth and development of this brand.
He further said that in the last 40 years, through selfless contribution of thousands of its associates, Natrang has brought J&K theatre to national and international limelight.
The 41st foundation day marked the celebrations with presentation of Natrang’s highly acclaimed Dogri play ‘Suno Eh Kahani’ written and directed by Balwant Thakur.
While narrating the 40 years of journey by Natrang, Balwant Thakur shared that prior to the inception of Natrang in Jammu, this region never witnessed the presence of a professionally managed cultural institution.
“Despite having seen lots of ups and downs, Natrang never stopped working even in challenging times. There is not even a single day in 40 years when Natrang was not working,” he maintained expressing thankfulness to his wife Deepika Thakur and daughters Aarushi and Gauri for supporting and strengthening his mission.
He said: “Natrang pioneered in introducing Children Theatre, Theatre Camp, Weekly Sunday Theatre, Theatre Laboratory, Theatre Repertory, Script Bank, Documentation Centre and Mega Productions (featuring over 500 performers).”
“Natrang was established on 15th May, 1983 with the presentation of two unique short plays ‘Neeli Jheel’ and ‘Nanhen Kandhey Pair’ at Abhinav Theatre. In 40 years, the plays which vibrated the theatre scene of the country included Bawa Jitto, Ghumayee, Mahabhoj etc,” Balwant Thakur continued.
He further said that Natrang has produced over 2000 actors and many have made their mark in films and TV world as well.
The institution is all set to create an international level campus in Jammu housing an auditorium, two studio theatres, theatre residences, resource centre and an exclusive centre for children.
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