Theatre vital for community building: Arts patron Sangita Jindal on the Niloufer Sagar Festival of New Theatrical Work
In 2021, the Niloufer Sagar Alumni Grant Programme (NSAPG) was established at the Drama Schools Foundation Mumbai (DSFM) in memory of Lt. Niloufer Sagar, a respected theatre, live arts producer and consultant. The programme was instituted as per the wishes of Sagar’s family, who, along with friends, have been funding the grant. Administered and managed by DSFM, it has so far successfully produced twelve productions.
Today, in its third year, DSFM is delighted to kickstart an annual theatre festival – The Niloufer Sagar Festival of New Theatrical Work – showcasing some of the best alumni productions created under the grant so far. Generously supported by long-time arts patron and chairperson of the JSW Foundation Ms. Sangita Jindal, the Festival is produced in collaboration with G5A. One of India’s most prominent philanthropists, Ms. Jindal is known for setting up the Jindal Arts Creative Interaction Centre at the NCPA in 1994 and publishing Art India Magazine, a chronicler of the Indian art scene, since 1996, among many other things.
With plays ranging across themes of love, generational trauma, fantastical dreams and more, this 2-day festival, to be held from 22-23 May, presents 4 select alumni productions from the last three years. Ms. Jindal’s contribution has allowed for funds to be allocated in a manner that not only supports the Festival but has also ensured its sustainability for years to come.
Ahead of the premiere edition of this showcase, DSFM caught up with Ms. Jindal to discuss her motivation for supporting the festival and her vision for its future. Her insights offer a deeper understanding of the importance of fostering new theatrical talent and honouring Sagar’s legacy. Here are some edited excerpts from the interview:
In your view, what is the impact of theatre and live arts on society, and how does this influence your decision to support such initiatives?
Theatre, music, and art bring me immense joy. I often find myself attending various plays, as I believe theatre is vital for community building. It’s amazing how it brings people together to celebrate and provides a much-needed escape. I am committed to keeping this tradition alive. There’s so much culture here, and I want to contribute by supporting many such initiatives. I’m particularly interested in theatre that goes beyond the old prosceniums, which can be quite dull. Instead, I want to support theatre that is vibrant, dynamic, and accessible to people from all sections of society. This is what truly motivates me.
What inspired you to become the presenting sponsor of the Niloufer Sagar Festival of New Theatrical Work?
Niloufer worked with me, and she was always brimming with enthusiasm and wore a warm smile. When I got to know [about her passing away], I felt utterly regretful and helpless. So I decided that the best way to pay her some respect is through Drama School Mumbai because she was very passionate about theatre. She was a young girl and her sudden departure has been a profound loss for us all.
Would you like to speak about Niloufer at length? Any anecdote or short story that brings warm memories flooding back to you about her?
We had worked together for many years, and she was exceptionally proactive. We always used to do lovely things together. She was one of those rare individuals who infused the office with energy, magic and enthusiasm. She was a fearless young lady who never shied away from speaking her mind. She was always direct with me and would tell me when she disagreed with me. You know, not everyone is like that. And I miss that!
Could you share some insights on your involvement with Drama School Mumbai over the years?
It was Niloufer who introduced me to the Drama School Mumbai, and I was deeply impressed by their work, which is clearly a labor of love. I visited the school and saw its tremendous potential firsthand. This inspired me to fund ten exceptionally talented and enthusiastic scholars [across the last 2 years]. I wanted to support them in their early steps into the world and help them in their careers. Drama School Mumbai has a long journey ahead and immense potential, and I wanted to contribute to their foundational growth.
What challenges do you face as a patron of the arts, and how do you address them?
I find that people are often unwilling to build a genuine relationship with their donors. They only reach out when they need funds and then again when they need more. If I’m unable to support them at that moment, they leave feeling disgruntled and sour, which is quite disappointing. I wish for the individuals I support to come and perform at my compound for the employees who work here, such as my drivers, guards, and other essential staff members. Their contributions are crucial for the foundation’s functioning, and they would greatly enjoy watching these performances. However, it’s disheartening that people fail to realise that the patron-artist relationship is a two-way street. I’m not looking for anything materialistic but just an emotional connection perhaps.
How can others, whether individuals or corporations, be encouraged to support the arts more actively?
I believe that those who are genuinely willing to support the arts will always find a way to do so. In today’s world, it’s not particularly difficult; all the information you need is readily available on the internet. The real issue, in my view, is the lack of will. People often claim they support the arts, but without genuine intention and effort, their support remains superficial. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of active participation and commitment in fostering and sustaining the arts. True support comes from a deep-seated passion and a proactive approach to making a difference in the cultural landscape.
The Niloufer Sagar Festival of New Theatrical Work will take place 22-23 May 2024 at the G5A Warehouse in Mumbai. Find more details and passes here: https://insider.in/go/niloufer-sagar-festival-of-new-theatrical-work
