Famous playwright, director, actor
and translator Ramesh Mehta who significantly influenced Hindustani
drama expired on May 29, 2012. He was 88. Some of his works included India
Today (1949), Dahej (1950), Dastoori-Damad (1950), Faisla (1951), Apradhi Kaun
(1952), Zamana (1952), Hamara Gaon (1954), Uljhan (1955), Dhong (1956), Under
Secretary (1958), Dhai Akhar Prem ka (1959), Roti aur Beti (1960), Bade Aadmi (1966)
and Khuli Baat (1969). Most of his plays were satires on Indian society that
was trying to rediscover itself after independence.
Born on August 7, 1923 in Jhang
Maghiayana (now in Pakistan), Ramesh Mehta’s interest in theatre began
during his stay at Dayal Singh College, Lahore but it was only when he came to Delhi
and joined Three Arts Club, an amateur theatre group, that he could pursue his
interest passionately. He was one of the very few theatre personalities who
excelled in performing as writer, actor and director. His plays were regarded
as landmarks in Hindi theatre and were translated into several languages such
as Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam etc. Ramesh Mehta’s plays were performed at the
Prime Minister’s House, in front of the Indian Armed Forces, at All India Radio
and Doordarshan.
Ramesh Mehta was instrumental in
developing theatre as an art form in Delhi. He helped in forming theatre clubs
in many government departments, industrial houses and various establishments in
the capital city. His contributions to the meteoric rise of Three Arts Club
cannot be understated. It was due to his exemplary skills that the club could
perform more than 1200 shows of 27 plays over a 40 year period, sustaining itself
only on audience support. After the untimely death of general secretary R.M.
Kaul in 1983, Ramesh Mehta, in an act that symbolises the benevolent character
of the great man, wrapped up the activities of the theatre group and donated
the club’s earnings to Rajiv Gandhi Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Recipient of Chamanlal Memorial
Award for lifetime achievement, Sahitya Kala Parishad, Delhi Award, Delhi Natya
Sangh Award, Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Sangeet Natak
Akadeni Award, Ramesh Mehta fundamentally changed the perception of theatre in
Delhi and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his two daughters and
daughter-in-law.
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| Ramesh Mehta lighting the lamp to mark the revival of Three Arts Club in 2008 |
