Time and again, we wonder what has been done to harness amateur artistes, to bind them together and give them a stage to perform on.

And every time the topic crops up, one name that is tossed up frequently is Prasad Vanarase's, an established actor who now also seems to be a director to reckon with.

A graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, he was disillusioned by the lax attitude of aspiring theatre artistes towards this vibrant and interactive medium of communication. But not to be discouraged, he approached his passion for theatre methodically. And soon, plays under his direction, especially Khapsoorat Bahu, Na Bhayam Na Lajja, Goshtichya Goshtichi Ghosta, received critical acclaim and audience acceptance.

His tryst with theatre started at an early age, as his parents were also involved in it. He has been nurtured by the likes of Anna Rajguru of Shiruranjan in his formative years. This auspicious beginning got him many awards as actor, director and backstage artiste during his college days. At NSD, he was in the august company of the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Anuradha Kapoor, Uttara Baokar, Konrad Szendrich.

Being in Delhi gave him an opportunity to experience international theatre festivals, puppet shows of repute, numerous book fairs, folk art theatre, carving a broad spectrum of understanding for theatre.

While in Pune, he worked for the late Rajabhau Natu, of the Maharashtra Kalopasak, which organises the popular inter-collegiate one-act drama competition. He has also directed plays like Kakang Granth, Oedipus, Andhar Chhaya, something he found rather challenging.

Vanarase's lack of theatrics and his welcome candour, as far as his objectives in theatre are concerned, are refreshing. Having done his share of acting and directing, he did not hesitate to direct amateur artistes in Solapur for the play, Goshtichya Gostichi Ghosta, based on a Neil Simon piece. The actors worked religiously and their enthusiasm was infectious, urging Prasad to draw the best from them. This resulted in 25 shows in and around Maharashtra, no mean feet for an amateur production.

Goshtichya..., set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, explores the psyche of the common man, burdened by the pressures of society, whose helplessness and poverty are exploited for the interests of few. Though overtly humorous, the undertones of reality are well projected.

Currently, Khapsoorat Bahu is being staged in the theatre festival in Bhopal. He has been invited by the Shriram Centre for Performing Arts, New Delhi, to direct a play for them.

Vanarase laments the indecisiveness of the youth, caught between the lure of the silver screen and theatre, and hopes that more recognition is given to upcoming theatre artistes. If his determination is anything to go by, Prasad Vanarase is a name to watch out for.