In the vibrant realm of Bengal’s theater, a missive from the National School of Drama (NSD) registrar has reverberated, urging entities benefiting from the “guru shishya parampara (repertory grant)” initiative to craft a novel production encapsulating three themes: “Vasudeva Kutumbakam,” “Panch Pran,” and “Vikashit Bharat.”

The impetus behind this directive stems from a snippet in the play’s script, “Lo Aai Wapas Sone Ki Chiridya,” referencing Prime Minister Modi’s discourse at the G20 summit. State Education Minister, Bratya Basu, has enjoined state theatrical entities to eschew the NSD’s proposition to stage the one-act play extolling the BJP government.

Expressing apprehension about potential cessation of funding if theatrical bodies deviate from the guidelines, the prominent actor and theatrical luminary articulated his critique of the Center’s directives.

Basu vehemently condemned the guidelines, asserting, “Prior to the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP government dispatched a concise script to all theatrical groups in West Bengal eulogizing the Prime Minister. They insisted on its performance throughout the state.”

Taking to social media, Basu affirmed his belief that most Bengali theater companies, being Left-leaning and secular, would rebuff such a proposal.