Nagpur's Priyanka Thakur Sole Maharashtra Recipient in Akademi Awards
Priyanka Shakti Thakur, a prominent figure in Nagpur known for her innovative approach to drama, has been honoured with the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustaad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2023. Thakur, who serves as the Head of the Department of BVoC (Acting and Theatre Stagecraft) at VMV College, has been deeply involved in the performing arts since the age of 14. Originating her theatrical journey in Bhopal, she has not only excelled as an actress but has also demonstrated proficiency in directing and producing numerous plays.
Recognizing her exceptional contributions, the General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi has elected Thakur as one of the Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna), a prestigious and exclusive honour limited to 40 individuals. Moreover, Thakur's selection among the 92 artists for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) in the category of Traditional Theatre further underscores her significance in the field. Notably, she stands as the sole representative from Maharashtra in this category.
Thakur's artistic endeavours have consistently focused on portraying forgotten heroes and heroines, as well as marginalized sections of society, through her performances. With a deep sense of duty, she strives to shed light on the sacrifices of lesser-known figures, believing their contributions to India's freedom struggle are equally commendable and deserving of recognition.
Despite her many accolades and achievements, Thakur remains committed to her passion for theatre, even after settling in Nagpur following her marriage. Her dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the Rangmanch Puraskar she received in 2022 alongside Hema Malini, as well as the Shaurya Award and Cultural Heritage Award bestowed upon her by the Governors of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, respectively. Thakur's artistic journey continues to inspire and enrich the cultural landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.
