Theater, television and film director Dharmendra Sharma met the audience in the fourth episode of the fourth season of the popular dialogue series ‘Batian Ki Gali’ organized by Curio organization and Rajasthan Forum at the Tea Tradition Café of Rajasthan International Centre. Many intellectuals associated with art, culture and media were present on this occasion.
In response to the questions asked by program creator Priyadarshini Mishra, Dharmendra Sharma openly expressed his opinion on the changing scenario of theatre, television, cinema and web content. He said that with time the medium has changed, the preferences of the audience have changed, but the honesty and sensitivity of the artist is still equally important.
During the conversation, when the discussion came on the current situation of Jaipur’s historic Rabindra Manch, Dharmendra Sharma became emotional. He said that his acting and directing career had started from Rabindra Manch itself. “It is not just a building, but a testimony to the dreams and struggles of hundreds of artists,” he said. Today I feel very sad seeing its dilapidated condition.
Dharmendra Sharma said in clear words that governments do not listen on their own for the protection of art and culture. For this, the artists themselves will have to come forward and fight. Referring to the collective movement of artists in the late 90s, he said that during that period, theater workers had united and raised their voice, positive results of which were also seen.
He said that even today there is a need for all theater artists, theater institutions and cultural organizations to come together on one platform and create constant pressure. “Unless we unite, our voices will remain unheard,” Sharma asserted.
During the conversation, he also talked about the changing trend of content on television and web platforms. He said that web series have given space to new artists and subjects, but with it the responsibility has also increased that the content should force the society to think and not be limited to just entertainment.
The audience present at the program also participated enthusiastically in the question-answer session. The youth asked questions about the possibilities and challenges of a career in theatre, to which Dharmendra Sharma answered in a natural and inspirational manner.
At the end of the program the organizers expressed their gratitude to Dharmendra Sharma. This episode of ‘Batian Ki Gali’ was not only a dialogue, but also proved to be a platform for serious contemplation on the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and its future.
