Roll Call

An integral part of Neelam Man Singh Chowdhary’s theatre group,The Company,for 20 years,Sharma describes it as the most fulfilling phase of his theatre life. “We did path-breaking work all over India and internationally. Neelamji exposed us to the best in the field. It was here that I learnt the basic nuances of theatre,” reminisces Sharma,who then moved to Mumbai while working with HAFED. He agrees that the city gave him new exposure,as he got to work in films like Maachis,Dev D and some television serials.

Coming back to Chandigarh after 15 years,a place where he started,is the beginning of another journey. Apart from rectifying some problems in acoustics,stage,seating and dressing rooms,which came to fore after the previous renovation,Sharma is looking to bring theatre groups back to Tagore for rehearsals. “Because of the high rentals,no amateur theatre groups were rehearsing here,’’ he laments. But that’s about to change,as now there’s an exclusive rehearsal space that has been recreated. “From now on,we will charge only Rs 50 for two hours,’’ smiles Sharma. A new spot has been earmarked for a bookshop and a reading room. “This is the place where people should meet up for coffee,share ideas and have discussions. Tagore,like Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai,should be the hangout zone for people interested in art and culture and we’re creating that ambience in the cafe,which will have a new menu and look,” he says.

To encourage theatre and artists,Sharma is still hoping that like other major cities,theatre in Chandigarh,will be exempted from entertainment tax. For now,he is keeping his fingers crossed for a nod from the administration. “It will be a win-win situation all the way with groups earning a living and becoming self-sufficient apart from the culture of buying tickets for watching theatre being a rule rather than an exception,” says the director.

For utilisation of space,the glass areas have been opened for art exhibitions. Sharma is also introducing Platform Theatre,a concept to encourage amateur theatre. The green areas outside will now be open for groups to perform. “There is innovative work happening in the city and we’re encouraging those who do street theatre. The platform is free of cost. It’s a movement that will get more audience to Tagore and promote fresh talent,” says Sharma.