Amritsar, Jan 24: The Punjabi theatre fraternity is in mourning after the death of Jatinder Brar, the 81-year-old playwright who pioneered the modernization of stagecraft in Amritsar. Brar was the driving force behind the iconic Punjab Natshala, a venue that became a sanctuary for both local talent and international performers. His life’s work bridged the gap between technical precision and raw human emotion, leaving behind a repertoire of nearly 30 plays that addressed pressing social concerns.
A technocrat by profession, Brar returned to his roots in 1998 to build a cultural infrastructure that was previously missing in the city. He utilized his engineering background to design a facility that garnered praise for its acoustics and stage capabilities. Throughout his career, he remained focused on the collective growth of the theatre community rather than individual accolades.
“Our goal was always to ensure that the art of storytelling never lacked a proper roof or the right technology to reach the audience,” Brar mentioned during a past interaction regarding the theatre’s development.
The success of his mission is evident in the alumni of Punjab Natshala, with stars such as Rajiv Thakur and Chandan Prabhakar among those who honed their skills under his watchful eye. His creative output was marked by a profound sensitivity, reflected in titles like “Kadessan” and “Paydan,” which resonated with audiences across the border.
The state government and various literary bodies have acknowledged his immense contribution to the Punjabi language and culture. Even as he received high honors like the Shiromani Natakar award, associates recall that his primary focus remained the nurturing of young artists who walked through the doors of his theatre with nothing but a vision.
