Deepak Tiwari, a noted artist who performed the lead role in Charan Das Chor directed by Habib Tanvir, has been surviving on only Rs 200 monthly assistance as he had no other sources of livelihood.
Tiwari who has been suffering from paralysis has not been given any programme by the culture department, this was disclosed by Tiwari’s wife Poonam who was here to participate in the discourses on arts and literature organised by the State culture department here. Poonam who herself is a folk singer said the State Government neither provided any pension nor it has given any programme in the last two years. Despite the troubles, the couple continue to devote their full time in arts. Only her husband gets Rs 200 dependent assistance.Tiwari said her husband was earlier working at the public relation department of the State Government. The love for acting prompted him to quit the job and devote full time in theatre sector.
Poonam said she has been working with Deepak since last 22 years and during which her husband performed lead roles in popular dramas including Charan Das Chor, Agra Bazaar. However paralysis gripped him 18 years ago. In spite of that he did not stop acting. He has been active through ‘Rang Chhattisha’. The Government seems to have not learnt from it, she said.