Theatre personality Ebrahim Alkazi passes away at 94

“Mr Alkazi (1925-2020) passed away peacefully this afternoon due to cardiac failure,” a statement issued by his family said. He died at the Escorts Hospital in New Delhi.

A strict disciplinarian, Alkazi was known for his intense research before producing a play. He was the Director of National School of Drama, New Delhi from 1962 to 1977.

 He was also a noted art connoisseur, collector and gallery owner, and had set up Art Heritage Gallery in Delhi with his wife, Roshan Alkazi. 

Several theatre and Hindi film personalities took to social media to mourn the demise of Alkazi.

"The true architect of the Modern Indian Theatre. The Doyen who possessed the extreme knowledge in all the aspects of ART. The magician who nurtured many greats of theatre. May your brightest spark from the heaven keeps us enlightening," actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui tweeted.

Randeep Hooda tweeted, "The Guru of Gurus so many have learnt from and tried to emulate .. Ebrahim Alkazi - the real father of Modern Indian Theatre .. may the light you shone keep shining through countless others as it shines through now .. Rest in Peace Sir  condolences to the family."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Shri Ebrahim Alkazi will be remembered for his efforts to make theatre more popular and accessible across India. His contributions to the world of art and culture are noteworthy too. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace."

Alkazi during his lifetime directed over 50 plays including Girish Karnad's 'Tughlaq', Mohan Rakesh's 'Ashadh Ka Ek Din', Dharamvir Bharati's 'Andha Yug' besides several Shakespearean and Greek plays.

He won the BBC Broadcasting Award in 1950. He has also been awarded twice by the Sangeet Natak Akademi,

Many popular Indian theatre and film personalities including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Vijaya Mehta were trained by Alkazi.

His son and theatre personality Feisel Alkazi told Indian Express about his father: “He was active in the pre-Independence days. He was a perfectionist in everything he did, whether theatre, painting, as an art connoisseur, or as an educator. His works continue to inspire the young and old."