From make-up to scripting: Sethi’s tryst with the stage

From make-up to scripting: Sethi’s tryst with the stage

MUNISH DHIMAN  5th Jan 2013

Parvesh Sethi | Photo: T.S. Bedi is name stands out among theatre thespians of the region. His impeccable histrionics, acting, direction, playwriting and make-up have left an indelible mark on the minds of his audience. He is none other than Parvesh Sethi, who received the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Award this year for his valuable contribution to theatre. Born at Gujranwala (undivided India), Sethi recalls that those were days when now popular mediums of entertainment, like the television, was nearly non-existent. The only source of entertainment was plays and other stage performances, apart from films. Sethi credits Hans Raj Nangia of Sonepat for mentoring him, a veteran he met in 1953. He remained under his tutelage for three years.  However, he learnt the subtle nuances ofart of make-up from Indu Ghosh of the National School of Drama, Delhi. "It was the outcome of the rigorous training which enabled me to work with doyens of theatre, including Balwant Gargi, Bhag Singh, Dr Mehndiratta, and Rani Balbir Kaur", he says. "We came to Shimla by chance. I vividly recall how crazy I would go about buying a ticket for three aanas, then a hefty amount, to watch theatre productions there. I have come a long way since. Today, I look back with a sense of fulfilment, theatre keeps me going with times" says Sethi. Working in theatre for over six decades now, Sethi has a rich repertoire of more than 500 plays, including Lahu Ka Daag, Banda Bahadur, Chandni Chowk Ton Sirhind Tak, andShree Guru Tegh Bahadur. He has done make-up for countless other productions. He ventured into direction and play writing which rendered him a multi-dimensional persona.  The plays that he successfully directed include Talash Ikk Aurat Di, Assi Doon Savaye Hoyi, and Shree Guru Tegh Bahadur. Bulla, Bahurupiya, Nau Pandra, and Khada Pita Barbad Kitta are some of the plays he scripted. "The only roadblock in the promotion of theatre is the dearth of adequate budget to meet the expenses of productions. This leaves no options for organizers but to look up to sponsors. And, to add salt to injuries, the UT administration allows no tax rebates on sold out theatre shows. In Punjab, however, tax rebates are provided by the government", he says. Sethi, who retired as assistant general manager, Haryana Financial Corporation, Chandigarh, in 2001, never allowed his profession pose a hindrance to his tryst with theatre. He spends quality time teaching budding theatre artistes and the art of make-up to young aspirants. He shares a piece of advice with young learners:  "Dedication and hard work are the buzz words to reach the pinnacle of glory" http://www.sunday-guardian.com/artbeat/from-make-up-to-scripting-sethis-tryst-with-the-stage