Suresh Bhardwaj
Encyclopedia
Suresh Bhardwaj is an India
n theatre, film and television director as well as a lighting and scenic designer. He is the director of (Aakar Kala Sangam) (AKS), a Delhi
based theatre group and is currently in charge of the National School of Drama
's extension programme. He is also a faculty member of the National School of Drama
and in 2005 received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
for lighting design from the Sangeet Natak Akademi
, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.
degree . He subsequently joined the National School of Drama in his home city where he became a research fellow in the extension wing of the school before his 1981 promotion to technical director at Rangmandal in the Bharat Bhavan
arts complex, Bhopal.
In 1985, Bhardwaj formed the theatre group Sambhav in Delhi, bringing together an artists' ensemble that became a landmark phenomenon in modern Indian theatre and which featured in the research work of eminent art scholars. The same year, he shifted his emphasis to film, television and cinema and worked in various capacities as a writer, director and scenographer as well as for various satellite channels and public television broadcaster Doordarshan
as a freelance director, designer and writer. Bhardwaj conceived and directed many popular programmes including Aap Ki Adalat for Zee TV as well as Aasmaan Kaise Kaise, Lekhu, Gumraah, Uth Jaag Musafir, Apne Apne Sapne and many more for Doordarshan.
Bhardwaj joined the faculty of the National School of Drama as visiting professor in 1988 and was appointed a regular faculty member in 1991 as a lecturer in stage lighting
. He was promoted to the post of associate professor (theatre architecture) and later to associate professor. He served as dean of National School of Drama from 2000 to 2002, and was also appointed Professor of Extension Programmes in February 2002. Bhardwaj is currently an associate professor at this pioneering Indian institute.
Bhardwaj is known for his contributions in the field of theatre education and has conducted more than 200 theatre workshops throughout India and abroad. He also designed the lighting and sound systems of many of India's prestigious theatres including the Antrang and Bahirang auditorium at Bharat Bhavan Bhopal (1982), and the indoor and outdoor theatre at Preetnagar, Amritsar (2002). He acted as lighting, sound, acoustic and stage furnishing consultant at Rabindra Bhavan, Bhopal (2004) and was also a consultant on the auditorium of BHEL, Bhopal and Jammu University, Jammu.
Teleplay series Yavanika for Zee TV, which includes the noted Parsi era play Rustom Sohraab (1992).
30 minute film on old cinematography and still photography techniques Yaadon Ka Safar.
Six episode serial for the Doordarshan national network Kahaniyaan Hi Kahaniyaan.
Six episode serial for the Doordarshan national network Khel Khel Main Vigyaan.
12 episode serial for children for the Doordarshan national network Mast Maza.
Four episode serial Decaying Forms of Art commissioned by DD-3.
Film for CPC Prasar Bharti Aqal Badi Ya Bhainas, which was the official entry for the ASEAN festival organised by BHK, Japan, 2008.
Bharatnatyam for CPC Delhi, a series telecast in 2009.
Around 60 TV Shorts for and commissioned by Doordarshan.
Co-director of the TV serial Boond Boond a politically controversial serial dealing with the personality conflict of ex prime minister V P Singh
.
Co-director of many TV serials, advertisements and feature films.
Six TV Spots commissioned by Doordarshan dealing with persons and companies of high repute.
Bhardwaj has also worked with directors such as Fritz Bennewitz, Bansi Kaul, Ratan Thiyam
, Anuradha Kapur, Kirti Jain, Prof.Mohan Maharishi
, Alakhnandan and Neelam Mansingh Chowdhrey
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n theatre, film and television director as well as a lighting and scenic designer. He is the director of (Aakar Kala Sangam) (AKS), a Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
based theatre group and is currently in charge of the National School of Drama
National School of Drama
National School of Drama is a theatre training institute situated at New Delhi, India, established . It is an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was set up in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and became an independent school in 1975...
's extension programme. He is also a faculty member of the National School of Drama
and in 2005 received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar is an award given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama. It is the highest Indian recognition given to practicing artists. The award consists since 2003 of Rs. 50,000, a citation, an angavastram , and a tamrapatra...
for lighting design from the Sangeet Natak Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi is the national level academy for performing arts set up by the Government of India.-History:...
, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama.
Life and career
Born and brought up in Delhi, Bhardwaj received his education in the city. He holds an M.AMaster of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
degree . He subsequently joined the National School of Drama in his home city where he became a research fellow in the extension wing of the school before his 1981 promotion to technical director at Rangmandal in the Bharat Bhavan
Bharat Bhavan
thumb|350px|Bharat Bhavan, [[Bhopal]]Bharat Bhavan is a multi-arts complex without parallel in Bhopal, India housing a museum of the arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theater, indoor and outdoor auditoria, rehearsal room, and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk...
arts complex, Bhopal.
In 1985, Bhardwaj formed the theatre group Sambhav in Delhi, bringing together an artists' ensemble that became a landmark phenomenon in modern Indian theatre and which featured in the research work of eminent art scholars. The same year, he shifted his emphasis to film, television and cinema and worked in various capacities as a writer, director and scenographer as well as for various satellite channels and public television broadcaster Doordarshan
DoorDarshan
Doordarshan is an Indian public service broadcaster, a division of Prasar Bharati. It is one of the largest broadcasting organizations in India in terms of the infrastructure of studios and transmitters. Recently, it has also started Digital Terrestrial Transmitters. On September 15, 2009,...
as a freelance director, designer and writer. Bhardwaj conceived and directed many popular programmes including Aap Ki Adalat for Zee TV as well as Aasmaan Kaise Kaise, Lekhu, Gumraah, Uth Jaag Musafir, Apne Apne Sapne and many more for Doordarshan.
Bhardwaj joined the faculty of the National School of Drama as visiting professor in 1988 and was appointed a regular faculty member in 1991 as a lecturer in stage lighting
Stage lighting
Modern stage lighting is a flexible tool in the production of theatre, dance, opera and other performance arts. Several different types of stage lighting instruments are used in the pursuit of the various principles or goals of lighting. Stage lighting has grown considerably in recent years...
. He was promoted to the post of associate professor (theatre architecture) and later to associate professor. He served as dean of National School of Drama from 2000 to 2002, and was also appointed Professor of Extension Programmes in February 2002. Bhardwaj is currently an associate professor at this pioneering Indian institute.
Awards
- National Sangeet Natak AkademiSangeet Natak AkademiSangeet Natak Akademi is the national level academy for performing arts set up by the Government of India.-History:...
Award (2005) from Indian PresidentPresident of IndiaThe President of India is the head of state and first citizen of India, as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. President of India is also the formal head of all the three branches of Indian Democracy - Legislature, Executive and Judiciary...
, Dr. APJ Abdul KalamAbdul KalamAvul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam usually referred to as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is a renowned aerospace engineer, professor , and first Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram , who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007...
Azad for National Achievements in the theatre and allied arts. - Special ROSCO (UK) award from the Chaman Lal Memorial Society for excellence in theatre.
- Habib Tanveer Rang puraskaar-2011 by Ras Kala Manch, HaryanaHaryanaHaryana is a state in India. Historically, it has been a part of the Kuru region in North India. The name Haryana is found mentioned in the 12th century AD by the apabhramsha writer Vibudh Shridhar . It is bordered by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north, and by Rajasthan to the west and south...
. - Patliputra Award, a national award conferred by ‘Praangan’ Patna for lifetime achievement in drama.
Juries
- Served on the international jury for ITI UNESCO’s 2005 international theatre workshops and drama school presentations in RomaniaRomaniaRomania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. - Panel member for Doordarshan public TV, India as director of a sponsored serial for the national network.
Committees
- Ministry of Culture: Committees on production, building, equipment, salary, and pension grants; folk and tribal schemes; scholarships; junior and senior fellowships; multipurpose cultural complexes; accommodation for eminent artists.
- Committee to judge proposals for senior fellowships, University Grants CommissionUniversity Grants Commission (India)The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory organisation set up by Union government in 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education. It provides recognition for universities in India, and provides funds for government-recognised...
. - Committee to judge the audio-video proposals for various schemes, Ministry of Women and Child Welfare.
- Expert committee to judge tableux etc. for inclusion in the Republic DayRepublic Day (India)The Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on 26 January 1950....
Festival, Ministry of Defence. - Selection committee, International Theatre Festival, Bharangam.
Bhardwaj is known for his contributions in the field of theatre education and has conducted more than 200 theatre workshops throughout India and abroad. He also designed the lighting and sound systems of many of India's prestigious theatres including the Antrang and Bahirang auditorium at Bharat Bhavan Bhopal (1982), and the indoor and outdoor theatre at Preetnagar, Amritsar (2002). He acted as lighting, sound, acoustic and stage furnishing consultant at Rabindra Bhavan, Bhopal (2004) and was also a consultant on the auditorium of BHEL, Bhopal and Jammu University, Jammu.
Writings
- Adaptation of Albert CamusAlbert CamusAlbert Camus was a French author, journalist, and key philosopher of the 20th century. In 1949, Camus founded the Group for International Liaisons within the Revolutionary Union Movement, which was opposed to some tendencies of the Surrealist movement of André Breton.Camus was awarded the 1957...
' The Just, published as Jaayaz Hatyaare by Raj-Kamal, Prakashan. - Adaptation of Strindberg’s The Creditors as Dastak in Hindi.
- Adaptation of the Russian play Irony of Fate as Golmaal in Hindi.
- Screenplay and dialogues for a teleplay of Shamsheer Singh Ka Thiala for Doordarshan, India, selected as an Indian entry for the International Television circuit. (1987)
- Story, screenplay and dialogue for the 35mm film35 mm film35 mm film is the film gauge most commonly used for chemical still photography and motion pictures. The name of the gauge refers to the width of the photographic film, which consists of strips 35 millimeters in width...
for Kribhco entitled Shahad Ki Chadi (1988). - Story, screenplay and dialogue for the 35mm film Ganpat Ki Kahani (1988).
- Screenplay and dialogue for the well-known artistic serial Ek Kahani by Manju and Jyot Singh (1987).
- Screenplay and dialogue for a 60 minute telefilm Chuimui for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (1990).
- Story, screenplay and dialogue for the serial Chauke Pe Chakka, a sponsored serial on DD-Metro (1992).
- Dialogue for the serial Lekhu in Doordarshan's sponsored category, a famous children's serial (1987).
- Story, screenplay and dialogue for the TV serial Bharti, commissioned by Doordarshan to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Indian Independence with thirty minute episodes entitled Durgan, Shakti and Bahta Paani (1992).
- Story, screenplay and dialogue for the 60 minute tele-film Chestha for the Ministry of Welfare (1993).
- Story, screenplay and dialogues for the 60 minute tele-film Pehchaan for the Ministry of Welfare (1993).
- Screenplay and dialogue for the tele-film Khandhar commissioned by Doordarshan (1994).
- Writer of more than 100 scripts for short social message films for Doordarshan, Davp and various other ministries and departments.
- Writer of scripts and research for a number of 15 to 30 minute documentaries for Doordarshan, ministries and corporations.
Directing
- Several episodes of the serial Aasmaan kaise kaise (1986).
- 13 episode serial Lekhu for the Doordarshan national network (1988).
- 10 episode serial Jhingur Pahalwaan for morning transmission on Doordarshan (1990).
- 35mm film Ganpat Ki Kahani for U.P.Ganna Vikas Sansthaan (1988).
- Sponsored serial Heere Moti pilot serial episode approved by Doordarshan (1992).
- 60 minute tele-film Gumraah for Doordarshan (1993).
- 60 minute film Chotu Motu Aur Lottery Ka Ticket for Doordarshan's metro channel and video circuit release (1995).
- 90 minute teleplay Uth Jaag Musafir for DD3 (1996).
- More than 10 episodes of the well-known TV Show Aap Ki Adalat.. for Zee TV (1992–94).
- 60 minute tele-film for the Ministry of the Environment, Maila Paani (1996).
- 60 minute film Shahd Ki Chadi (1995).
- Commissioned Serial for DD Bharti Apne Apne Sapne (2005).
- International film for CPC prasar BhartiPrasar BharatiPrasar Bharati is India's largest public broadcaster. It is an autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament and comprises Doordarshan television network and All India Radio which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.Prasar Bharati was...
Aql Badi Ya Bhains (2006). - 15 minute documentary for Doordarshan Traditional Akhadas of Delhi.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Kabootarbaazi.
- 15 minute documentary feature for Doordarshan Mehndi.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Jhalliwalas.
- 30 minute documentary on drugs Andha Kuan.
- 30 minute docu-feature for Doordarshan on elderly people Dhalta Suraj.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Mitti Ke Khilone.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Bioscope.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Patang Ki Kala.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Rafoogar.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Tonga — Shahi Savaari.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Haathi Daant Se Chandan Tak.
- 15 minute feature for Doordarshan Goldsmith.
- Bharti (1995), a three part, 30 minute per episode serial for Doordarshan:
- Bahta Paani
- Shakti
V. P. Singh
Vishwanath Pratap Singh was the seventh Prime Minister of India and the 41st Raja Bahadur of Manda.-Early life:...
.
Art directing
- Former art director of the well known Aap Ki Adalat, a popular TV serial hosted by Rajatsharma.
- Art director of the TV serial Purvai, directed by Ranjit Kapoor.
- Art director of the TV serial Zameen, directed by M K Raina.
- Set designer for Antakshri, Mast Maza, Khel Khel Main Vigyan, Kahaniyaan Hi Kahaniyaan, Musichamp and a number of adverts, game shows, talk shows and budget specials for Zee TV and other stations.
Theatre direction
- Bakri by Sarveshwar Dayal SaxenaSarveshwar Dayal SaxenaSarveshwar Dayal Saxena was a noted Hindi writer, poet, columnist and playwright, who was one of the seven poets who first published in one of the "Tar Saptaks", which ushered in the ‘Prayogvaad’ era , which in time evolved to became the "Nayi Kavita" movement -Biography:Sarveshwar Dayal...
for M.P. Natak Lok Kala Akademi. Ujjain (1978). - Musical play for children for the National School of Drama's children theatre wing Raja Ke Do Seeng written by Akhilesh Khanna (1980).
- Adhe Adhure written by Mohan RakeshMohan RakeshMohan Rakesh was one of the pioneers of the Nai Kahani literary movement of the Hindi literature in the 1950s. He wrote the first modern Hindi play, Ashadh Ka Ek Din , which won a competition organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi...
for Sambhav, Delhi (1985). - Solah January Ki Raat for Sambhav, Delhi (1986).
- Inspector Matadin, based on story by Harishankar ParsaiHarishankar ParsaiHarishankar Parsai was a Hindi writer. He was a noted satirist and humorist of modern Hindi literature and is known for his simple and direct style....
for the National School of Drama's workshop for N.T.P.C (1998). - Bechara Bhagwan, for the National School of Drama's workshop for N.T.P.C (1999).
- Kaffan, musical play based on Premchand's story and adapted by S.P.Saxena for the Little Theatre Group Repertory (2000).
- Prem Samvaad, based on the stories of Munshi PremchandMunshi PremchandMunshi Premchand , was a famous writer of modern Hindi-Urdu literature. He is generally recognized in India as the foremost Hindi-Urdu writer of the early twentieth century...
for AKS (2001). - Saari Raat by Badal Sircar, for AKS (2003).
- Aur Agle Saal by Javed SiddiquiJaved SiddiquiJaved Siddiqui is a Hindi and Urdu screenwriter, dialogue writer and playwright from India. He has written over 50 storylines, screenplays and dialogues....
, for AKS (2004). - Main Aur Meri Zindgi, by Deepa Tyagi (2005).
- 8 Ghante, by Sujit Saraf (2007).
- Intezaar Abhi Aur, play written by Meeta Mishra and himself (2009).
Set and lighting design
- Directed by B. V. KaranthB. V. KaranthBabukodi Venkataramana Karanth was a renowned film and theatre personality from India...
: Andher Nagri , Shahjahan, Amal Vimal Kamal evam.., Vidya Sunder, Suno Janmejaya, Ghasiram Kotwal, Visakhdutt, Malvikagnimitram, Chaturbhani, Matia Burz, Hayavadana and various other plays. - Directed by Devraj Ankur: Kajar Ki Kothri, Mahabhoj, Ek Satya Harishchandra, Anaro, Kahaniyaan Hi Kahaniyaan, Apne Apne Ajnabi, Ai ladkee, Tin Ka Sipahi, Bus Stand Ki Ek Raat, and a number of Katha collages.
- Directed by Ram Gopal BajajRam Gopal BajajRam Gopal Bajaj is a noted Indian theatre director, academician, and a Hindi film actor. He has also been a faculty member and a former director of National School of Drama, New Delhi ....
: Andha Yug, Yayati,Charvak, Lower Depth, Ek Purush, Dedh Purush. - Directed by M. K. Raina: Swapanvasvadatta, Balcharitram, Karnabharam, Urubhangam, Dootvakyam, Main Hi Hoon Kaalpurush, Openheimer, Servant of Two MastersServant of Two MastersServant of Two Masters is a comedy by the Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni written in 1743. Goldoni originally wrote the play at the request of actor Antonio Sacco, one of the great Truffaldinos in history...
, Madhvi, Hanush,Ghosts, Enemy of the people, Saadat Hasan MantoSaadat Hasan MantoSaadat Hassan Manto was a short story writer of the Urdu language. He is best known for his short stories, 'Bu' , 'Khol Do' , 'Thanda Gosht' , and his magnum opus, 'Toba Tek Singh'....
. - Directed by Barry JohnBarry John (theatre director)Barry John is a British born, Indian theatre director and teacher, who was the Founder-Director of 'Theatre Action Group' , one of the early theatre group based in Delhi. In 1997, he launched Imago Media Company, along with Sanjay Sujitabh, and also started Imago Acting School in Delhi, both of...
: Servant of Two Masters, An Accidental Death, Oedipus RexOedipus the KingOedipus the King , also known by the Latin title Oedipus Rex, is an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles that was first performed c. 429 BCE. It was the second of Sophocles's three Theban plays to be produced, but it comes first in the internal chronology, followed by Oedipus at Colonus and then Antigone...
. - Directed by PrasannaPrasannaPrasanna , is an Indian theatre director and playwright from Karnataka. He is one of the pioneers of modern Kannada theatre. He graduated from the National School of Drama . He founded Samudaya and gave a creative direction to Kannada theatre in the 1970's with other activists. Prasanna lives in...
: Ascent of Fujiyama, Teen Behnen, Aakhri Qitaab, The Father, Bela meri Jaan.
Bhardwaj has also worked with directors such as Fritz Bennewitz, Bansi Kaul, Ratan Thiyam
Ratan Thiyam
Ratan Thiyam is an Indian playwright and theatre director, and the winner of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, one of leading figures of the "theatre of roots" movement in Indian theatre, which started in 1970s...
, Anuradha Kapur, Kirti Jain, Prof.Mohan Maharishi
Mohan Maharishi
Mohan Maharishi is an Indian theatre director, actor and a playwright. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 'Direction' in 1992.-Early life:...
, Alakhnandan and Neelam Mansingh Chowdhrey
External links
- AKS, Official website
- Faculty Members: Suresh Bhardwaj at National School of DramaNational School of DramaNational School of Drama is a theatre training institute situated at New Delhi, India, established . It is an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was set up in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and became an independent school in 1975...
website.