The “Rang Yatra” festival, dedicated to honoring the legendary theater artist Manohar Singh, kicked off today in Shimla with a heartfelt performance of Bade Bhai Sahab, a play adapted from the story by Munshi Premchand. Held at the Government Girls College in Shimla, this opening event brought together local audiences to celebrate Singh’s immense contributions to Indian theater. The play was directed by Naresh K. Mincha, a young and passionate theater artist from Shimla, and brought to life the emotional tale of two brothers coping with the pressures of education, discipline, and family expectations. Sohan Kapoor played the younger brother, while Naresh K. Mincha himself took on the role of the elder brother. Neeraj Kumar provided the music, and Ved Priya coordinated backstage, creating a memorable experience for all.
Manohar Singh, born in 1938 in the small village of Kwara near Shimla, had humble beginnings that led to an extraordinary career. He found his calling in drama early on, and his first job was with the state’s drama division. Moving to Delhi, he enrolled in the National School of Drama (NSD) and graduated in 1971. He quickly began directing plays for the NSD Repertory Company, his first work being Qatl Ki Hawas. By 1976, he became the company’s second lead, a role he held until 1988. In 1982, Singh was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Indian theater.
His performance in Tughlaq, where he portrayed the complex lead role under the direction of his mentor and NSD founder Ebrahim Alkazi, left an indelible mark on audiences and cemented his status as a powerful performer. Throughout his career, Singh was drawn to roles that delved into human depth and social issues, which made him one of the most respected figures in Indian theater.
After leaving NSD in the late 1980s, Singh continued performing in Delhi’s theater scene. He played iconic roles in Pagla Raja (an adaptation of King Lear), Himmat Mai (Brecht’s Mother Courage), Begum Barve, and Nagmandalaby Girish Karnad. Collaborating with renowned theater personalities like Amal and Nissar Allana, Singh’s versatility as an actor and director shone through in these plays, making him a guiding force in Indian theater.
Manohar Singh also left a mark in Indian cinema and television. His film debut was in Kissa Kursi Ka, a controversial film set during the Emergency period, alongside Shabana Azmi. He appeared in films like Party by Govind Nihalani, Ek Din Achanak by Mrinal Sen, Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin, Rudaali, and Daddy, each showcasing his ability to bring nuanced characters to life on the big screen. Singh acted in over 27 films, including mainstream Bollywood hits like Yash Chopra’s Chandni and Lamhe, proving his versatility across genres. His final film appearance was in Everybody Says I’m Fine in 2001.
On television, Singh reached a wider audience through popular series like Dard and Pal Chhin, where he shared the screen with acclaimed actress Neena Gupta. These roles brought him into the homes of viewers across India and further cemented his reputation as an accomplished actor.
Manohar Singh passed away on November 14, 2002, in New Delhi after a battle with lung cancer. But his legacy lives on in Indian theater and cinema, where he is remembered as a transformative force who brought intensity, dedication, and depth to his work. The “Rang Yatra” festival stands as a testament to his life and artistry, allowing younger generations to connect with the spirit of Singh’s work. Through this celebration, his influence continues to inspire actors, directors, and audiences to appreciate and carry forward the rich tradition of Indian theater.
To further honor Manohar Singh’s legacy, Bade Bhai Sahab will be performed again on November 14, 2024, on Singh’s death anniversary, at Auckland Boys School in Shimla at 11 a.m.