In a powerful evening dedicated to race, identity, and inclusion, London’s iconic Tara Theatre—renowned for elevating South Asian voices—welcomed acclaimed Indian theatre personality and cultural ambassador Balwant Thakur as a special guest.
Thakur, a pioneering figure in Indian theatre for over four decades, delivered a compelling address on the importance of preserving indigenous performance traditions and promoting regional identities through the arts. Drawing from his deep roots in Jammu, he emphasized the rich artistic potential of Indian theatre, particularly from culturally vibrant yet underrepresented regions like Jammu.
“Our theatre has the creativity and soul, but it lacks the support structures enjoyed by the West,” Thakur noted. “If India provided even a fraction of the state and civil society backing seen in countries like England, theatre could emerge as a major cultural and economic force.”
The evening also paid homage to Jatinder Verma, founder of Tara Theatre and a trailblazer of South Asian theatre in the UK. His legacy continues to inspire diasporic artists and cultural dialogue between Britain and the subcontinent.
Thakur made a strong case for promoting Dogri theatre and Jammu’s cultural identity on the global stage. “Jammu is not just surviving—it’s thriving culturally. It’s time it received international recognition like Delhi or Mumbai,” he stated.
A key highlight was Thakur’s interaction with Professor Jerri Daboo, a leading academic documenting South Asian theatre in the UK. Their exchange sparked interest in academic and creative collaborations aimed at spotlighting regional narratives and sustaining cultural heritage through theatre.
The event concluded with a preview of an upcoming theatrical production that will trace the legacy of South Asian theatre pioneers, both in India and the diaspora, promising to bring underrepresented stories to center stage.
This landmark evening marked a new chapter in cross-cultural collaboration, with Thakur reaffirming his commitment to building global cultural bridges that elevate Jammu’s artistic voice on the world stage.