Do you think there is a government apathy or political unwill to promote theatre and arts in India?
The government has done a lot; can do a lot more. One auditorium in a city in the name of Tagore does not spell promoting culture. The Department of Culture grants us Rs.10,000 for a production and one day at the auditorium to perform. Which is to say that all the artists have to be there on that day. 10,000 doesn’t even cover their travel costs. The Department of Tourism has given us encouraging patronage though: Taramati and Raat Phoolon Ki were done in partnership with the tourism department who sanctioned them. It all depends on who is sitting at the helm of the department. If it is someone who has an orientation toward culture, he/she would do a fine job. If it’s just another babu… We need collaboration between the government organs and private institutes. The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation recently tied up with the National School of Drama for a three-week summer workshop which was a huge success. Such symbioses help.Q: Is visual media industry solely talent-driven, or does a
