‘An irreparable loss’: Actors remember Surekha Sikri’s contributions to Indian theatre

NSD called Sikri’s demise an “irreparable loss” for Indian theatre.

राष्ट्रीय नाट्य विद्यालय की वरिष्ठ स्नातक (1968) सुश्री सुरेखा सीकरी के निधन की ख़बर बेहद दुखद है । उनका जाना भारतीय रंगमंच के लिए अपूर्णीय क्षति है । राष्ट्रीय नाट्य विद्यालय परिवार भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता है । pic.twitter.com/E0iHIkeDJp

— National School of Drama (@nsd_india) July 16, 2021

Sikri graduated from NSD in 1971. Later she worked with the NSD Repertory Company for more than a decade before she finally moved to Mumbai.

Recalling the brilliant theatre performances by the late actor, Anupam Kher expressed condolences on social media, calling his “senior” in NSD, the “queen of theatre in Delhi”. Watching her perform in the play #LookBackInAnger was an experience I will never forget,” he wrote.

Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of my senior in #NationalSchoolOfDrama & an actress par excellence #SurekhaSikri !! She was the queen of theatre in Delhi! Watching her perform in the play #LookBackInAnger was an experience I will never forget. Thank you.🙏 #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/ZI1Nhj8BTe

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) July 16, 2021

Gulshan Grover also recalled how he got the opportunity to work with Sikri during his “theatre days”. “RIP Surekha ji #SurekhaSikri! Had the great fortune of working and learning from you so much in my theatre days and then watching your superb performances!” he tweeted.

RIP Surekha ji #SurekhaSikri ! Had the great fortune of working and learning from you so much in my Theatre days and than watching your superb performances ! https://t.co/m97R6BWtMx

— Gulshan Grover (@GulshanGroverGG) July 16, 2021

Manoj Bajpayee tweeted, “One of the greatest talent Surekha Sikari ji passed away leaving behind so many great performances in theatre and cinema!! She was a treat to watch on stage. Can’t forget some of those memories of her act in theatre. Great craft and a graceful person!! RIP”.

Very Sad news !!! One of the greatest talent Surekha Sikari ji passed away leaving behind so many great performances in theatre and cinema!! She was a treat to watch on stage.can’t forget some of those memories of her act in theatre.great craft and a graceful person!! RIP🙏🙏

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) July 16, 2021

Some of the popular theatre productions Sikri performed in include Sandhya Chhaya, Tughlaq and Adhe Adhure. ‘