NSD may have J&K centre soon

New Delhi, March 7

The National School of Drama (NSD), in an initiative to strengthen theatre education and reach across India, says it looks forward to opening new centres other than four regional centres in Varanasi, Bengaluru, Agartala and Gangtok, said Paresh Rawal, senior actor and chairman, NSD.

Speaking to the media, Rawal spoke about the recent request received from the Lt-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, for opening up a centre in Jammu and Kashmir. “We will soon be discussing the possibilities with NSD society members and the government. Hopefully, we will have a concrete plan to do it soon,” said Rawal.

“About the expansion vision of the NSD, we are keen to set up centres in the most vibrant theatre culture states like Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Rawal added. Meanwhile ‘bhoomi pujan’ for the NSD centre at Sikkim has already been accomplished and we will be approaching the Centre for grants for the construction of buildings,” he added.

Rawal also laid emphasis on the importance of declaring NSD as an institute of national importance. He said: “This status will further strengthen the institute by enabling to award degrees, introduce new courses like playwright, costume designing, property making etc, and open up new centres. We are in active connect with the Centre to expedite the matter. Along this, the proposal of re-development of existing campus of NSD is also under active consideration.” He also spoke about introducing new courses on various aspects of theatre art.–IANS