Tanveer Sanman prize money to support theatre backstage workers hit by Covid

The annual event organised by Roopvedh Pratisthan was held online and the prize amount of Rs 5 lakh was allocated for the benefit of backstage workers of theatre in Pune and Mumbai.

PUNE Tanveer Sanman, an annual event, organised by Roopvedh Pratisthan, has been postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions. The price money of the award and the expenses of holding the function will be spent to benefit backstage workers of theatre in Pune and Mumbai.

Tanveer Sanman is held in memory of Tanveer, son of Dr Shriram Lagoo (in pic) and Deepa, who died in an incident. (HT PHOTO)

Roopvedh Pratisthan was established in 2004 by late Dr Shriram Lagoo, a stalwart in Marathi theatre and cinema, who is often known best for his role as the “Natsamrat”.

Tanveer Sanman is held in memory of Dr Lagoo and his wife Deepa’s son Tanveer who died in an incident. The award ceremony is mostly organised at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium in Kothrud, for the past 16 years. The 2020 award ceremony was held online and instead of honouring members from the theatre fraternity, the prize amount of Rs 5 lakh was allocated for the benefit of backstage workers.

“Dr Shriram Lagoo was aware of the economic instability that behind-the-scenes artists face, and for many years he has contributed towards the artists’ retirement fund from the money he received for his theatrical performances,” said Deepa Lagoo, his wife and secretary of Roopvedh Pratisthan.

“This year, as theatres are closed due to the pandemic, it has affected many backstage workers who are often on daily wages. Hence, the award money and function expenses was given to “Marathi Natak Samoha”’ who are working for the benefit of backstage workers,” she said.

Since May 2020, the “Marathi Natak Samoha” has been taking care of 341 backstage workers by giving them Rs 2,500 per month as an aid.

Present for the online function was theatre director Chandrakant Kulkarni who spoke about the problems that backstage workers faced and how the organisation helped them during these tough times.

Actor Prashant Damle said, “ Every person working behind the scenes in theatre is important. They have specialised skill sets that help us perform better in front of the audience. They are part of the theatre family and it is our duty to protect them and come to their aid when in need.”

Tanveer Sanman comes with price money of Rs 1.5 lakh and insignia. It has been awarded to Ibrahim Alkazi, Bhalchandra Pendharkar, Vijay Tendulkar, Satyadev Dubey, Vijaya Mehta, GP Deshpande, Kanhayyalal, Sulbha Deshpande, Satish Alekar and Naseeruddin Shah.

Along with senior artistes, since 2005, a newcomer artiste is awarded the Tanveer Rang Dharmi Award, which has an amount of Rs 40,000.