Eminent veteran theater personality Pran Sabharwal gets Padma Shri for art and culture

CHANDIGARH: An eminent theater artist and versatile personality Pran Sabharwal (93) is among the two Padma Shri awardees from Punjab for an outstanding contribution in the field of art. He is based in Patiala and has been running the National Theatre Arts Society (NTAS) since 1952.

Born in Jalandhar of Punjab on December 9, 1930, Sabharwal, a former employee of Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB), was inspired by Prithivraj Kapoor. Without having any formal qualification or training in acting, Sabharwal went on to make theatre and radio his life. And there was no looking back. Sabharwal was also one of the founder faculty members of the Department of Speech, Drama & Music, at Punjabi University, Patiala.

Sabharwal will also be honored at Republic Day programme in Patiala Friday where Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit will be the chief guest.