Renowned theatre personality of the State capital and the founder of Rang Vidushak Theatre Group, Bhopal, Bansi Kaul was awarded with the Padma Shri on Monday. The award was presented by President of India Pranab Mukherjee at an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
The Pioneer talked to the city artistes who have been associated with Bansi Kaul and has witnessed his works. The artistes have expressed their happiness and contentment over this achievement. Sanajy Upadhyay, Director of Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD), said,
“This is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh and, especially, for the Bhopalites that such an eminent theatre artiste of the city has been presented with the highest civilian award. The sacrifice he has made in his career and the strong dedication he has shown in this field is commendable. All I can say that hard work always pays off.”
On the other hand, a lighting expert of theatres, Kamal Jain, says, “I am actually speechless as I can’t express my contentment in words, but all I can say is that Kaulji’s achievement has made all of us proud. He has been a very energetic and enthusiastic person when it comes to theatres but at the same time he is also a very good human being. His journey in theatres is praiseworthy and I feel so happy to say that a theatre personality like Kaulji has been honoured with such a prestigious award.”
Another theatre director, Nizam Patel, says, “It is an honour to hear that Kaul sir has been awarded with Padma Shri and I am so proud that theatre artiste Kaul sir has received this award.”
Mohan Diwedi, another eminent theatre personality, says, “It feels like being the theatre artistes we have received this award. He has been an inspiration for all of us and I feel contented over this achievement of Kaulji. Further it is an achievement for Bhopal as well.”
Shahvez Sikander says, “He has been like an inspiring factor for all the young artists of theatre industry and has motivated us. This achievement of Kaul sir would definitely encourage us. Avinash Dixit, artist coordinator, says, “Of course, it is an honour for Bhopal theatre industry and I am happy for Kaul sir.”