Renowned theatre figure Prof Suresh Sharma to receive prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Founded Himachal Cultural Research Forum and Theatre Repertory in Mandi
The Newz Radar
Mandi: Professor Suresh Sharma, a stalwart in the Indian theatre scene, is set to be honoured with the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his outstanding contributions as a director in Indian theatre. 
Sharma, a multifaceted personality known for his prowess as an actor, writer, and director, founded North India’s first non-governmental residential theatre repertory, the Himachal Cultural Research Forum and Theatre Repertory (HCRFTR), situated in the Sathole area of Mandi town, Himachal Pradesh in 1987-88.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, or the Akademi Purskar, is the highest accolade bestowed upon individuals in performing arts such as music, dance, and drama.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will confer the award upon Prof Sharma on March 6, 2024, in the presence of G Kishen Reddy, Minister of Culture and Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture.
Born in 1959, Prof Sharma embarked on his theatrical journey after completing his education in Lucknow. He graduated from the Bhartendu Natya Academy, Lucknow, as a first batch student in 1982. He honed his skills at the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, specializing in acting in 1985. His illustrious career includes collaborations with renowned theatre directors in India and abroad, shaping his expertise and vision.
In 1989, Prof Sharma laid the foundation of HCRFTR, the first non-governmental residential theatre academy in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. He also served as the Artistic Director of Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, Delhi, from 1996 to 1998, further enriching his artistic repertoire.
Proficient in administration and artistic direction, Prof Sharma played pivotal roles at the NSD, Delhi, serving as the Chief of Repertory for almost two decades before assuming the position of Director from September 2018 to July 2021. His directorial ventures have earned critical acclaim, with over 28 plays directed by him receiving national-level recognition and awards.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning four decades, Prof Sharma has been felicitated with numerous awards, including the prestigious Habib Tanvir Samman (2016), Nat Samara Samman (2016), Him Shirmour Samman (2016), Acharya Natya Muni Samman (2017), Natya Guru Samman (2018), and UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Samman (2022).
Currently serving as the Director of the North Central Zone Culture Center (NCZCC), Prayagraj, since August 2021, Prof Sharma continues to inspire and enrich the theatrical landscape with passion, dedication, and unparalleled talent.
