MANDI, November 25
Renowned theatre artiste from Mandi Seema Sharma has been appointed as a member of the Executive Council of the Himachal Pradesh Academy of Art, Culture and Language in the Performing Arts category.
Known for her lifelong dedication to theatre, this prestigious recognition highlights her significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in the state.
Seema on Sunday (November 24, 2024) met Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and thanked him for the prestigious appointment.
Torchbearer of theatre, performing arts in Himachal
Seema Sharma, born and raised in Mandi, has been a torchbearer of theatre and performing arts in Himachal Pradesh. With over 30 years of experience, she has played a pivotal role in nurturing local talent and integrating theatre into educational and cultural programmes. Her journey began during her school days when her passion for music and acting won her the “Best Actress” award in Class VIII, inspiring her to pursue theatre professionally.
Academic excellence and theatre contributions
Seema holds a bachelor’s degree from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, a master’s in sociology from Lucknow University, and a B.Ed. from Annamalai University. Throughout her career, she has performed in numerous iconic plays, including Sophocles’ Oedipus, Vijay Tendulkar’s Silence! The Court is in Session, and Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Her solo performances have also brought to life works by literary greats like Krishna Sobti and Mohan Rakesh.
In addition to acting, Seema has been actively involved in directing children’s theatre workshops, writing educational plays, and organising rural theatre programs to engage young talent. Her work often draws inspiration from Himachali folklore, with plays like Bathada and Debku Jindu earning widespread appreciation.
Seema Sharma’s achievements and recognition
Over the years, torchbearer of theatre and performing arts in Himachal has received several accolades for her work, including:
• Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India (2012-13).
• Excellence Award by Divya Himachal (2014-15).
• National Honour by Dastak Sanstha, Amritsar (2021-22).
For the past 25 years, she has served as the director of a year-long acting course conducted by the Himachal Cultural Research Institute and Rangmandal in Mandi.
Seema’s appointment to the executive council of the Himachal Pradesh Academy of Art, Culture and Language is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the performing arts. She aims to use this platform to further promote theatre and ensure the preservation of Himachali culture for future generations.
