Theatre artiste, director and actor Rahul Vohra has been honoured with the prestigious Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres for his contribution to theatre and motion films by the Government of France. A Delhi University graduate, Vohra is the founding member and actor of the theatre group Chingari. Apart from this, he is also a founding co-ordinator for a voluntary group, Sarthi, concerned with the voices of artists and artisans.
The prestigious French award is bestowed on personalities who have contributed to the field of art, culture and literature. Other recipients of the award include names like Bob Dylan, Amitabh Bachachan, Shakira, Sharukh Khan, Bruce Willis among others.
Excerpts from a telephonic interview with Vohra:
How much this award mean to you? Congratulations on receiving the prestigious award. First of all congrats for this award. Could you tell us about it? award?
It is a very prestigious award which is given to those who have made significant contribution in the field of cinema, theatre, art and literature in France. We can say that is like the Padma Award in India. I got a letter from the French Government on the first of January this year regarding my selection and I received the award this past week. I have worked in France for a long time. I have tried to show the variety of Indian culture and tradition through my works of art which I think has been appreciated. I have presented the themes of Indian culture to French audiences.
You have been long associated with a theatre group....
Yes, I am privileged to be associated with the group Chingari. It was established in 1983 but started to work properly from 1984. It has produced some of the most cutting edge plays like Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”, Girish Karnad’s “Tughlaq”. We have done a lot of political satire. It was associated with the movement of the Theatre of Absurd. We produced the play of Ben Jonson. Basically, we featured such type of plays which reflected the truth of the society, no matter it is right or wrong.
You have also promoted a touring stage show “Bharati” as and one of the producers of the show. What was the idea behind this mega project?
India is known as the cradle of civilisation. It has a vast range of culture and civilisation. So we tried to bring lots of diversity of our country into this production. We wanted to have the best of selection and present them before the world. We wanted to bring the culture from every part of our country. It was an explosion of colours, emotion, philosophy, the rituals, tradition, the culture, the music and more importantly, the soul of India. It started around 2006 and toured almost entire Europe.
What is your thought after receiving the award? Having received this award would like to say something special?
I want to say thanks to all my friends, co-actors and those with whom I have worked ever. I want to dedicate this award to all the lost and forgotten artists of India and the world at large, with whom I have had the honour to work over the years.
What is next for Rahul Vohra?
I have been cast for a lead role along with a Hollywood actor for a French movie. It will be directed by an Oscar-winning director. We will start the shoot in the middle of this year. Also, one or two TV series are being finalised.
