Ganesh Mandarthi, Rituparna Biswas Recipient of 'Tanvir Natyadharmi'

Pune: Karnataka's Yakshagana artist Ganesh Mandarthi and theatre-television artist and Rituparna Bishbas, co-founder of the theatre group 'Amata Parichay' in West Bengal, have been awarded this year's 'Tanvir Natyadharmi Puraskar'.

The award is given annually in association with Rupvedha Pratishthan, Pune and Maharashtra Cultural Centre. Rajesh Deshmukh, secretary of the centre, said.

The award distribution will be held next Saturday at 4.30 pm at ShriRam Lagoo Rang-Space at Hirabagh Chowk on Tilak Road. Karnataka's Neelkantheshwar Natyaseva Sangha chief K V. Akshara will be the chief guest.

He will deliver a keynote address on 'Expanding the Nomenclature of Activism in Theatre'.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation. The award is given to the younger generation of artists who have made special contributions to theatre.

The award was instituted by Deepa and Sriram Lagoo in 2004.