Tanveer Puraskar for Vijaya Mehta

The Tanveer Puraskar,an award to honour theatre personalities for the year 2009,has been declared to veteran theatre personality — Vijaya Mehta. A fellowship titled — Tanveer Natyadharmi Puraskar,has been announced to Dr Rajendra Chavan. The announcement was made by veteran actor Shreeram Lagoo and Deepa Lagoo at a press conference. The award is given by Roopvedh Pratishthan in memory of the duo’s son — late Tanveer Lagoo,who passed away in a train accident a few years ago.

“Vijaya Mehta’s contribution to theatre is immense. I remember,in 1962,when I returned from England with a decision to dedicate my life to theatre,I was overwhelmed by Vijaya Mehta’s commitment towards theatre and drama. At that time itself,I realised that she would create a place for herself in this field. After watching my performance on- stage,she approached me with a desire to work together on stage. After that,we did a play called- Madi by Vijay Tendulkar followed by his play- Amhi jinklo amhi harlo. This award is for the dedication and the contribution towards this field,” said Shreeram Lagoo.

The second award – Tanveer Natyadharmi Puraskar has been announced to Dr Rajendra Chavan who hails from Shirgaon,Devgarh near Kankawli. He finished his degree in MBBS from Nair Hospital,Mumbai and worked with Kasturba Hospital for eight years. His contribution the children’s theatre movement is immense and excels in training using a training methodology which is participative and experimental.