Director Saleem Arif calls for affordable auditoriums to revive Indian theatre

New Delhi: Eminent theatre director Saleem Arif on Monday called for greater institutional support for Indian theatre, saying the lack of affordable auditoriums remains one of the biggest hurdles to the growth of the performing arts in the country.

Delivering the Begum Abida Ahmed Memorial Lecture at the Ghalib Institute on the theme 'Indian Theatre: Today and Tomorrow', Arif said discussions on the state of Indian theatre often revolve around inadequate government support and declining public interest, but rarely translate into concrete action.

"In my opinion, a major obstacle in the path of theatre development is the lack of auditoriums at reasonable prices. If auditoriums are arranged at low prices with good facilities, there will be significant progress in the world of theatre," he said.

Arif also expressed concern that many actors who began their careers in theatre and later found success in cinema had failed to remain connected with the stage.

"You can name only a few names who did not leave theatre even after success in films. If those who have achieved success in theatre and films had performed at least once a year, it would have increased the popularity of theatre immensely," he said.

The memorial lecture was presided over by Ghalib Institute Chairman Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, who highlighted the enduring association between Begum Abida Ahmed and the institute.

He said Begum Abida Ahmed had envisioned the Ghalib Institute as an Urdu institution that would uphold literary traditions while engaging with contemporary issues.

"Today's lecture also presents a glimpse of her vision. Drama is a powerful genre of literature and has played a positive role all over the world. Every possible step needs to be taken to promote this genre in Urdu literature as well," Justice Ahmed said.

Welcoming the gathering, Ghalib Institute Secretary Prof. Siddiq-ur-Rehman Kidwai said that while the institute's seminars are primarily devoted to literature and research, it also seeks to encourage wider discussions on issues connected with culture and society.

"I am happy that the talks of the thinkers who have come here before to fulfill this concept have proved to be very thought-provoking and today's lecture will also strengthen this tradition," he said.

Ghalib Institute Director Idrees Ahmed said the institute organises two annual commemorative lectures — the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Memorial Lecture and the Begum Abida Ahmed Memorial Lecture — to encourage discussion on subjects beyond literature.

Explaining the choice of the speaker, he said Saleem Arif was invited because of his deep understanding of literature, culture, politics and contemporary social issues.

"We are fortunate that he accepted this request and came here as a guest speaker," he said.

If you'd like, I can also make it read more like a PTI/Indian Express-style news report with a sharper lead and tighter paragraphs.

Tags : Saleem Arif, Theatre, Director, Ghalib, Badar Durrez Ahmed