Waman Kendre Biography 
Waman Kendre is an Indian theatre personality and academician, who currently serves as the director of the most prestigious art school, National School of Drama, New Delhi. He is a previous student of NSD. He has directed numerous plays, and also wrote and adapted many plays. He adapted Sanskrit playwright Bhasa's Madhyama Vyayoga in three different languages – In Hindi, English and Marathi. As a play director, some of his best staged plays are Saiyyan Bhaye Kotwal, Jannemann, Tempt Me Not, Nati Goti, Ladi Nazariya, Ranangan, Dusra Samana, Ghazab Teri Ada, Laagi Lagan, Zulwa, Char Divas Premache, Gadhe Ki Baraat and Rajdarshan. He has been honoured with Padma Shri in 2019.
Waman Kendre was born into a humble family of farmers in Daradwadi village in Beed district of Maharashtra. After graduation he did a one-year certified course in Dramatics from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad. Later he got selected to National School of Drama. While studying there, he earned a fellowship to research on ritualistic and folk theatre of Kerala. After studies, he got fully involved with the world of theatre and succeeded as a playwright and play director. He also taught at NSD for more than three decades.
When Dalit theatre movement occurred in late 1970s in Maharashtra, he played an important role in this movement. Apart from his teaching career, he is also involved with theatre workshops. Till now he has conducted more than 250 workshops in India and abroad, on different aspects related to theatre. An influential figure in modern theatre, he held many elite positions in different advisory committees and governing councils. He was recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2012, for his overall contributions towards Indian theatre, and in 2019 he received Padma Shree award.
Published: February 03, 2019
Updated: February 03, 2019
