'Kalidas Samman' for Babasaheb Purandare

Bhopal, Nov 20 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh's prestigious 'Rashtriya Kalidas Samman' would be bestowed upon renowned dramatist, Babasaheb Purandare for his contribution to theatre.

Culture Minister Lakshmikant Sharma told reporters, here today that the award would be conferred upon Mr Purandare, at the Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh being organised in Ujjain tomorrow. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would be present on the occasion.

He said Mr Purandare had made historical figures, a subject matter of his drama. Besides, he was a noted writer and had penned 36 books including books centered on Raja Shiv Chhatrapati, Kesri, Narayan Rao Peshwa and others.

Mr Sharma said 'Janta Raja' was a brilliant play by Mr Purandare in which he had brought life and character of Chhatrapati Shivaji and that period alive on stage, said Mr Sharma. So far, more than 700 shows of the play had been performed across the country.

Mr Purandare had earlier been honoured with Shiv Sahir Upadhi, Punya Bhushan and Jeevan Gaurav, Maharashtra Bhushan, Shiv Bhushan and Guru Mahatma awards.

The seven-day Kalidas Samaroh is starting tomorrow with Mr Rajendra Awasthi-directed play 'Abhigyan Shakuntalam'.

Famous danseuse and film actress Hema Malini would present a dance on Kalidas', 'Kumar Sambhavam' and 'Megh Dootam' on the second day.

Besides, other artists would perform dance, drama and singing programme during the Samaroh.

UNI