Partap Sharma wins best playwright prize

Getting his due

I was in Mahabaleshwar when I got a call from Mumbai from Lilette, saying the play has won four awards at the National level, after being screened before an eminent jury.

And the best part for me was that it had also won the best story and script awards. Normally, all these years, scriptwriters in theatre and films were often relegated to the background and hardly got any recognition for their work, which is the backbone of a play or film. I'm happy that scriptwriters are finally getting their due.

I am told the award, apart from a citation, also carries a cash prize of Rs 75,000. This is a substantial amount, more that anything I remember receiving in the past. This is a shot in the arm. I was planning to retire. This has spurred me, and I'm now thinking of my next play.

Sammy looks at that side of Gandhiji which many people are not aware of — his humorous side. Everyone knows about his honesty, integrity and persistence. But it was necessary to bring out this aspect of the great man as well. The play has been very well directed and enacted. Even members of the Gandhi Smarak organisation have taken a keen interest.

On daughter Tara

I'm delighted that my daughter Tara has given expression to her interests in the performing arts, and has taken part quite prominently not only in theatre, but also in films. I see a very bright future ahead of her.

This calls for a grand celebration. When Lilette returns (from London), there will be a get-together of sorts.