Lending a multi-dimensional approach to the art form,ensuring that theatre emerged decisive in predisposing people towards what he called a new era,thespian Habib Tanvirs death on Monday has left a deep void,an unexplainable vacuum and on the receiving end are not just the tribals of Chattisgarh with whom he worked for decades,but in fact the entire theatre community. An authentic insider,Habib,the playwright,poet,actor and director once said,for many like you who live in the city,people from the countryside are the outsiders,admit it,you look down upon them as contemptible. If you dont understand them,leave them alone for you need real commitment to work with them. There is no instant coffee when it comes to ascertaining a positive,social change through meaningful theatre. Recipient of the Padma Shree honour,Habibsaab,as he was fondly called by the theatre community around the world,would always refuse to play during an interview. Famous for his plays like Agra Bazar and Charandas Chor,this student of the internationally renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA),England,would seldom mince words,especially while commenting on the National School of Drama,New Delhi. Why do you want to talk about NSD? Please! They cant improve; they dont have any good teachers any more. Dont you think they should close shop? His repulsion towards the establishment wasnt confined just in his plays. Lady,believe me,political parties have earned a doctorate in falsehood. Arre,have you forgotten the genocide in Gujarat? Is it sane that the people who were behind the same are called saviours of a particular religion? Can the contemporary social scenario emerge more insane? Remember,a play is an indispensable part of yourself. Its a part of you that is being enacted in front of hundreds. You dont lie to yourself,you got to believe first,then pen. Enactment comes later. We are always are first audience. Neelam Mansingh,who has known him for more than three decades remembers,when he chose to work with the Chattisgarh tribals,it was more of a political decision considering his Leftist leanings. And you know,his different layers of sensibility,his curly hair,a magnetizing personality,an omnipresent pipe definitely made him a ladies man. This Sangeet Natak Academy award-winner was comfortable everywhere. A stalwart who inspired a generations of theatre people and created history,he translated his skills at so many levels that what emerged was a unique contemporary motif,an unparallel approach towards the art,towards all things. An extension of my family,Habibsaab will live on. Actor and theatre musician Kamal Tiwari remembers him as complete theatre in himself. Remember,his contribution,like Ebrahim Alkazi crosses national borders. After Partition,Habib Tanvir was instrumental in introducing Hindustani theatre form to the world,and yes,he would insist on ticketed shows! Tiwari remembers,When he was an MP,his theatre troupe would live with him in his house,inciting much controversy. Tiwari discloses that the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy will dedicate the forthcoming theatre festival to the legend,besides a seminar on his unique contribution to Hindustani theatre. National award-winning costume designer and actor Dolly Ahluwalia,who did a workshop with Habibs theatre group-Naya Theatre in 99 and subsequently introduced herself to the unique perspective he had towards the art form can never forget the fatherly figure he was for his group. A walking encyclopedia on theatre,a store house. Dolly recalls,We were working in a Canadian film and a heavy downpour lead to flooding. While everyone was transported to a five-star hotel,Habib refused to budge from his clay hut,sitting on his charpoy smoking his pipe. He called us fools for we didnt know how to enjoy what was given. He would not use the unit car,but walk through the knee-deep waters. Can there be another Habib Tanvir? Habib Tanvir never waited for Godot. During our last interaction,he was writing his autobiography,Matmali Chhadiraya,he whispered,always remember,its impossible to arrive at an ideal state in society. There would always be vices. Also remember,art will always flourish against the current.Bon voyage Habib Tanvir.
