INDIA: In a much-anticipated event set to celebrate the essence of Indian theatre, the prestigious META 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed upon the esteemed Indian stage, film, and television actor/director, Ram Gopal Bajaj. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 20th of March 2024 at the Kamani Auditorium, where Bajaj’s remarkable contributions to the world of performing arts will be honored.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, hosted by Teamwork Arts and Mahindra Group. The distinguished jury members for the META 2024 were introduced during this event, consisting of prominent personalities from the Indian theatre fraternity. The jury includes Indian theatre stalwarts such as Dolly Thakore, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Kusum Haider, Mahesh Dattani, Raghuvir Yadav, Smriti Rajgarhiya, and Vinay Pathak.
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Expressing his anticipation for the upcoming META festival, Jay Shah, Head of Cultural Outreach at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, emphasized the festival’s significance in nurturing theatrical excellence and showcasing the diverse cultural fabric of India.
Insights from META 2024 Jury Members and Participants
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, highlighted the jury’s role in selecting the best plays for this year’s META awards and underscored the festival’s commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of Indian theatre.
The META festival, scheduled from March 14th to 20th, 2024, will feature performances of the ten shortlisted plays at the Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre in New Delhi. The festival will explore various themes ranging from epic tales to identity, gender, ethics, and adventure, presenting a diverse repertoire of plays from different regions of the country.
Renowned actor Raghuvir Yadav expressed his admiration for the enduring appeal of live theatre, emphasizing its irreplaceable charm despite evolving trends in entertainment.
Dolly Thakore shared her excitement about being part of the META jury, praising the festival for its platform that showcases talent across multiple languages and genres.
Vinay Pathak expressed his delight in participating in the META awards, recognizing the festival’s role in discovering and celebrating the finest talents in Indian theatre.
Mahesh Dattani reflected on the privilege of serving on the META jury, describing the experience as a journey towards deeper appreciation and understanding of theatre.
Ram Gopal Bajaj, this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, is hailed as a distinguished figure in Indian theatre, with a career spanning decades and marked by numerous accolades including the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The META Lifetime Achievement Award, previously bestowed upon luminaries such as Badal Sircar, Zohra Sehgal, and Girish Karnad, continues to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the Indian theatrical landscape.
For more information on nominations and festival schedules, interested individuals can visit the official META website. Tickets for the festival can be booked online, offering audiences an opportunity to witness the best of Indian theatre on one stage.
META 2024 promises to be a celebration of artistic excellence, diversity, and creativity, reaffirming the enduring legacy of Indian theatre in the global cultural landscape.
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