Juhi Babbar stresses on importance of theatre

Mumbai, March 26 (IANS) Actress Juhi Babbar says theatre is the most powerful medium for influencing children towards better communication and expression.

Juhi's mother Nadira Zaheer Babbar founded Ekjute theatre group in 1981 and has been conducting various activities for children. In 2008, Juhi took over the reins and renamed it the Ekjute's Young Talent Group and Ekjute's Young Talent Workshop.

Juhi will be holding a 10-day theatre workshop for children from April 22.

She said in a statement: "I believe that theatre is the most powerful medium for influencing children towards better communication and expression.

"It is an amazing feeling when I meet these participants, especially when they come across and meet up with me and thank me stating that I have been a great contribution to their confidence, speech, clarity, my thoughts, imagination and that they're doing well in theatre, college etc."

A mother herself, Juhi strongly believes that inclusion is very important for children.

"Basically, art is for everyone and that is a reason why we are so passionate about our workshops and taking art to the children and youth, because we sincerely believe that people related to art or connected to art or who appreciate art, are definitely more sensitive people," she added.

The workshop will include young talent in the age group of 5 to 15 years and covers Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Juhi says she was on a break for three years since her son Imman was born.

"Now that Imman is 4.5 years old, I'm slowly returning to work," said Juhi, who is married to actor Anup Soni.

"My husband is also contributing to the workshop as we believe parenting is a shared responsibility. There will be a session that will focus on child-parent bonding through theatre," she added.