The Leading Lady

“We were a great team,but never interfered in each other’s work,” says Neena,who adds that it is from him that she learnt the ropes of theatre. It is the Tiwanas’ journey in theatre that put Punjabi theatre on higher ground. Fresh out of NSD,the couple refused film offers and immigration opportunities and established professional Punjabi theatre in Ludhiana instead,where productions were done continuously for eight years. “Our family was against it,we had no money,there were hardly any women in theatre,but we had faith. Also,what set us apart was the fact that we did theatre that was commercially viable,” says Tiwana,who recalls how actors like Om Puri,Raj Babbar,Girija Shankar and Nirmal Rishi were part of their path-breaking plays like Hind Di Chaadar,Sirhind Di Deewar,Loung Da Lishkara and Adhure Sapnay. Then there was Ramayan,a play in which she played the role of Kekayi. Tiwana also starred in the films Laung Da Lishkara and Diva Bale Sari Raat . “Laung …was our first film,and was initially a play,running to a full house month after month. Raj Babbar and Om Puri were sure that it would make a fabulous film. The film allowed us to earn money that we later put into our theatre work,” reminisces Neena.

She has always believed that theatre is not only a vehicle for spreading messages or literature,but something that is capable of producing financial profits too. “Elaborate stage,music and costumes,our plays were lavish. That’s also my message to theatre groups today — give the audience something worth spending on,” says Neena,who recalls the days when they sold tickets for as little as two rupees.

As for now,Neena is taking forward her husband’s biggest wish — the Harpal Tiwana Centre for Performing Arts in Patiala. “We want to create new and knowledgeable audiences. So we are working on workshops,festivals and theatre classes for children in schools. To establish and promote quality Punjabi theatre has been our life-long commitment,” concludes Neena.