Draft:Kamlakar Sontakke

Kamlakar Murlidhar Sontakke (born 1939) is a renowned theatre personality and a veteran actor, known for his significant contributions to Indian theater. He received formal training at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, and has left an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape.

Early Life and Education
Born in 1939 in the remote village of Vadochatha, near Ajantha in Aurangabad, Sontakke’s educational journey began in the district school, where he completed his studies up to grade 10. He relocated to Aurangabad in 1955 to pursue higher education, pursuing Bachelor’s of Arts at Aurangabad University, where he chose Economics, Political Science, and Hindi as his focus subjects.

Time in the UK
In 1971, Kamlakar Sontakke applied for the Colombo fellowship from the British Council. This fellowship allowed him to undertake placements at various international repertories for nine months. During his time in the United Kingdom, he met several eminent theatre personalities. This experience significantly enriched his understanding and practice of theatre.

Career
Sontakke’s journey took a momentous turn when he auditioned for admission to the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi. The reviewing panel included the legendary Ebrahim Alkazi, a multifaceted artist known for his contributions as a painter, poet, actor, stage designer, and director at NSD. Alkazi would become one of the most influential figures in Sontakke’s theatrical career.

During his first year at NSD, Sontakke found himself summoned by Alkazi to be his right hand. He assumed the role of script in-charge for the flamboyant production ANDHA YUG.

Notable Work
Sontakke’s involvement extended to several productions at NSD, where he contributed to the success of plays such as:


 * Father
 * Kanjus
 * Three Sisters
 * The Trojan Women
 * Godaan
 * Jasma Odhan
 * Tuglaq
 * Waiting for Godot

Beyond NSD, Sontakke collaborated closely with Alkazi on various personal projects and theatrical endeavors.

Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian theater, Sontakke received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 20131. Additionally, he served as the former chairman of the esteemed Nehru Centre in Mumbai.

Publications
Sontakke has authored a book titled “Kalanagaritil Valanwata” (कलानगरीतील वळणवाटा). He has also written about Ebrahim Alkazi, the visionary leader of Indian theatre, in Sruti magazine.

Personal Life
Speaking of his personal life, Professor Sontakke said, “Marriage was a delayed priority in my life as I had gone to the National School of Drama soon after my post-graduation”. He met his wife, Kanchan Sontakke, at the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha, when he started a theatre training course, and got married after returning from the UK in 1973.

Legacy
Sontakke also made significant contributions to the field of theatre education. He was the first Head of the Department of Dramatics at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, established in 19731. He also introduced a two-year diploma course in theatre at the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha. Furthermore, he founded Natyashala, a charity trust, with his wife Kanchan Sontakke. Through Natyashala, he has provided theatre training to numerous students, including those with disabilities. His dedication to teaching and his innovative methods have left a lasting impact on many of his students.

Even in his later years, Sontakke remained an active and influential figure in the theatre community. He continued to share his insights and observations after shows, articulating various aspects of the performances in just a few minutes. His presence was still felt, and his passion for theatre remained undiminished. His journey across geography and time was compelling, and he shared his experiences and stories with students and audiences alike. His unique and innovative methods of conducting creative and multifarious cultural activities with children and teachers have been widely recognized.