Nawazuddin, Randeep and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub pay their last tribute to Ebrahim Alkazi

By News Helpline, Mumbai – 05th August, 2020

Many well-known celebrities including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Randeep Hooda and Madhur Bhandarkar paid their last tribute to legendary theatre director and teacher Ebrahim Alkazi who passed away on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. He was 94. He was NSD director from 1962 to 1977.

He was described variously as “father of modern Indian theatre” and “last of the Romans”.

Nawazddin wrote on his Twitter account, “The true architect of the Modern Indian Theatre. The Doyen who possessed the extreme knowledge in all the aspects of ART. The magician who nurtured many greats of theatre. May your brightest spark from the heaven keeps us enlightening #EbrahimAlkazi #RIP.”

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub offered his condolences through his Instagram post, he wrote, “he doyen of Theatre Ebrahim Alkazi left us today. His works inspired generations. A great loss for us. May his soul rest in peace.”

Randeep Hooda wrote, “The Guru of Gurus so many have learnt from and tried to emulate .. Ebrahim Alkazi - the real father of Modern Indian Theatre  .. may the light you shone keep shining through countless others as it shines through now .. Rest in Peace Sir 🙏🏽 condolences to the family 🙏🏽”

Madhur Bhandarkar wrote, “Sad to hear demise of #EbrahimAlkazi sir , A legendary theatre personality will be remembered for his contribution towards revolutionising theatre in India and was instrumental in shaping the career of generations of actors. #OmShanti Folded hands #EbrahimAlkazi”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled his demise. “His contributions to the world of art and culture are noteworthy ... Shri Ebrahim Alkazi will be remembered for his efforts to make theatre more popular and accessible across India,” he tweeted.

Alkazi, who was the longest serving director of the National School of Drama and mentored generations of actors, produced plays such as Girish Karnad’s Tughlaq, Dharamvir Bharati’s Andha Yug and Mohan Rakesh’s Ashadh Ka Ek Din.

For his contribution to theatre, Alkazi received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1966, the Padma Bhushan in 1991, and India’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2010.

Apart from revolutionising Indian theatre, Alkazi was also a photography enthusiast, painter and art curator.

Alkazi founded the Art Heritage Gallery in Delhi with his wife Roshen Alkazi in 1977.

He is survived by his son Feisal Alkazi and his daughter Amal Allana, both well-known theatre directors.