AI Generated Summary
- Though he may no longer be present, the institutions he built, the artists he guided and the stories he told ensure that his spirit will continue to resonate in auditoriums and open-air theatres for generations to come.
- The curtains fell on a towering figure of Punjabi theatre with the passing of eminent playwright and theatre visionary Jatinder Brar, who died following age-related illness at the age of 81.
- Widely regarded as one of the most influential cultural voices of the region, Brar leaves behind a rich legacy that reshaped the theatrical landscape of Amritsar and Punjab at large.
The curtains fell on a towering figure of Punjabi theatre with the passing of eminent playwright and theatre visionary Jatinder Brar, who died following age-related illness at the age of 81. Widely regarded as one of the most influential cultural voices of the region, Brar leaves behind a rich legacy that reshaped the theatrical landscape of Amritsar and Punjab at large.
News of his death has been met with deep sorrow across theatre, literary and social circles, where he was admired not only for his creative brilliance but also for his lifelong dedication to nurturing young talent. For many, Brar was more than a playwright — he was a mentor, institution-builder and custodian of Punjabi cultural expression.
A mechanical engineer by training, Brar chose an unconventional path, guided by a deep passion for theatre. In 1998, he returned to his hometown of Amritsar with a bold dream: to create a permanent home for Punjabi theatre. That vision took shape as Punjab Natshala, an open-air theatre established in a repurposed factory near Khalsa College. What began as a modest initiative soon evolved into one of the most technically advanced and vibrant cultural spaces in the state.
Inspired by revolutionary theatre icon Gursharan Singh, whom Brar considered his guru, he envisioned Natshala as an open and inclusive platform. Anyone with a love for theatre and a desire to create was welcome, regardless of background. Over the years, the space became a crucible for artistic exploration, hosting performances by artists from more than three dozen countries and welcoming many of India’s leading theatre personalities.
Brar’s own body of work remains a cornerstone of contemporary Punjabi drama. Plays such as Lohe Di Bhatti, Faasle, Kudedan Ki Jaai, Kadessan and Paydan are remembered for their emotional depth, social consciousness and powerful storytelling. His writing often reflected the struggles, resilience and moral dilemmas of ordinary people, earning him a reputation as a sensitive observer of human life.
His contribution to the arts was recognised through numerous honours, including the Shiromani Natakar Award and Punjab Gaurav, along with several other literary and cultural accolades. Yet those closest to him say his greatest achievement was the generation of performers and creators he mentored.
Punjab Natshala became the starting point for many artists who would later gain national and international recognition. Among them are popular entertainers Kapil Sharma, Bharti Singh, Rajiv Thakur and Chandan Prabhakar, all of whom have often acknowledged Brar’s role in shaping their early journeys.
With Jatinder Brar’s passing, Punjabi theatre loses a pioneer whose vision transformed a city into a cultural hub and inspired countless individuals to find their voice on stage. Though he may no longer be present, the institutions he built, the artists he guided and the stories he told ensure that his spirit will continue to resonate in auditoriums and open-air theatres for generations to come.
