Mumbai, August 31: Habib Tanveer carved his niche in theatre at a time when educated and trained artists were highly valued. He chose a different path, bringing folk artists from villages and small towns into his plays. Initially, he aimed to teach these artists the theatrical techniques he had mastered. However, he soon realized that learning from them was far more important. This understanding became the hallmark of his theatre.
Born on September 1, 1923, in Raipur, Tanveer’s real name was Habib Ahmed Khan. After his education, he gravitated towards literature, poetry, and theatre. He moved to Mumbai, where he became associated with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). During this time, he began to view theatre not just as entertainment but as a voice for the common people. Later, he moved to Delhi, collaborating with several prominent theatre figures.
Tanveer pursued further studies in theatre in England, training in acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and studying directing and production at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He learned Western theatrical techniques abroad and was influenced by Brecht’s work. Upon returning to India, he based his theatre on Indian folk traditions.
This marked a turning point in his life, setting him apart from other theatre practitioners. He began working with folk artists from Chhattisgarh. Initially, he instructed them on stage positioning, movement, and line delivery. However, many artists struggled to perform in the style he suggested. This led Tanveer to realize that the issue lay not with the artists but with his own perspective. While they lacked book-learned acting skills, they possessed rich life experiences, language, music, and natural acting abilities.
Instead of trying to change them, Tanveer embraced their innate style, allowing it to shine on stage. This shift was evident in his plays, where he brought together folk artists and urban, educated performers. A prime example is the 1954 play “Agra Bazaar,” which showcased the lives of everyday people and the world of poet Nazir Akbarabadi. This approach was a departure from traditional theatre. In 1959, he founded the New Theatre in Bhopal, continuing to collaborate with Chhattisgarhi folk artists.
His innovative experiments led to acclaimed plays such as “Charandas Chor,” “Mitti Ki Gaadi,” “Gaon Ke Naav Sasural, Mor Naav Damaad,” “Bahadur Kalaarin,” and “Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai.” “Charandas Chor” later became one of his most famous works, winning the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh International Drama Festival in 1982.
For his contributions, Tanveer received numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. He was also honored with the Kalidas Samman in 1990 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1996. In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Tanveer also acted in films, appearing in “Gandhi” and “Prahaar,” but his greatest legacy remains in theatre. He passed away on June 8, 2009, at the age of 85.
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