The rich tapestry of Bengali theatre was on full display in Lucknow as the 59th edition of the prestigious All India Prakash Chandra Ghosh Memorial Full-length Bengali Drama Competition drew to a successful close. Organized by the Bengali Club and Youth Committee, Lucknow, the event culminated in a grand prize distribution ceremony on Thursday, celebrating the finest talents in Bengali dramatics.
A Celebration of Bengali Heritage and Theatre
The marathon competition, which commenced on December 20, witnessed an impressive participation from theatre groups across the nation. Over a span of 19 days, approximately 16 teams took to the stage, presenting a diverse array of plays that highlighted the depth of Bengali literature and performance art. The event serves as a vital annual cultural bridge for Lucknow, offering residents a unique opportunity to experience authentic Bengali theatre.
Arun Banerjee, President of the Bengali Club, emphasized the significance of the event. He stated that this drama competition proudly showcases the heritage of Bengal, as penned by its renowned writers and playwrights. He noted that it is a yearly occasion for the people of Lucknow to witness and appreciate the richness of Bengali theatrical art.
Winners and Awardees of the 59th Edition
The top honour for best production was clinched by Barrackpore Chakkanathalia Prayas Natya Gosthi from West Bengal for their powerful presentation of the play 'Mulakkaram'. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 10,000. The play's excellence was further recognized as it swept several individual awards.
The key award winners from the production include:
- Best Director: Randhar Rai
- Best Actress: Mousumi Sarkar
- Best Actor: Suhan Basu
- Best Supporting Actor: Sumit Saha
- Second Best Supporting Actress: Rashmi Bose
The competition also celebrated other outstanding performances. The Delhi-based theatre group Japonchitra secured the second position for its play 'Paap', written by Samaresh Basu, earning a cash award of Rs 7,000. Sujan Basu was adjudged the second best director for this work.
Kolkata's Harinavi Drishya Kaavya Samiti claimed the third spot with their play 'Sampatti Samarpan', winning Rs 5,000. The fourth position went to Delhi's Room Theatre for 'Nishkriti', based on a story by Rabindranath Tagore, which came with a prize of Rs 3,000. Rounding off the top five was Delhi's Dakshinayan Natya Sanstha with their play 'Paper dot com', securing Rs 2,000.
Distinguished Jury and Dignitaries
The challenging task of evaluating the performances was undertaken by a respected jury comprising former directors of the Bengali Club drama team: Mukul Bandhopadhyay, Utpal Kumar, Indrajit Mitra, and Prabir Kumar Dey.
The closing ceremony was graced by Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary, as the Chief Guest. Gautam Palit, Project Director of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, attended as the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by key office bearers of the Bengali Club, including President Arun Kumar Banerjee, Vice-Presidents Amit Ghosh and Enakshi Sinha, Officiating General Secretary Trisha Sinha, Treasurer Deb Bhattacharya, and Cultural Secretaries Kaushik Bose, Ashish Bhattacharya, and Tapan Samantho.
The successful conclusion of this 59-year-old tradition reaffirms the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Bengali theatre, fostering artistic exchange and keeping the dramatic arts alive in the heart of Lucknow.
