Natasurya drama festival promises a grand show

GUWAHATI: The 16th edition of the Natasurya drama festival, which is scheduled to commence from August 1 this year, will see participation of several top names of the country. The festival that is organized to pay tribute to Natasurya Phani Sarma, one of the most versatile actor and playwright from the state, would portray some vital issues and burning problems of the present society.
"Dramas always reflect the contemporary scene of society and during the 16th Natasurya Drama Festival people of Guwahati would witness some fantastic plays portraying such issues," said Giyasuddin Ahmed, an organizer and a noted dramatist.
"Renowned stage actors of the country, Lillete Dubey and Mohan Agashe would appear in a play 'Adhe-Adhure' during the festival. Besides, several known faces of the state Dulal Roy, Upkul Bordoloi, Anup Hazarika, Ashok Chakrabarty and Mrinal Bora are directing other plays in the festival," said Ahmed, adding that he himself would direct a drama in the fest.
"Lillete Dubey is a very popular name in country's acting fraternity. She has several remarkable appearances in films like 'Monsoon Wedding', 'Baghban', 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'My Brother Nikhil' among others. Mohan Agashe is also a veteran in the field of theater and film and he has even won Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the year 1996 for his contributions," added Ahmed.
This time the organizers have dedicated the festival to writer-poet Rabindra Nath Tagore, dramatists Rudra Choudhury and Munin Bhuyan. The festival will start with lighting of 101 candles by several artists and visitors.
The festival, which is being organized in collaboration with the department of cultural affairs, would also see several artists being felicitated for their contributions to the society.