'Magician of Light' Dinesh Kumar Poddar receives Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Lighting maestro Dinesh Kumar Poddar receives the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to arts.
In a moment of immense pride for the Indian performing arts community, the celebrated lighting designer Dinesh Kumar Poddar has been conferred with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Known affectionately as the 'Magician of Light,' Poddar was presented with the award citation by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to the field of Allied Theatre Arts – Lighting.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Poddar has transformed the way audiences experience theatre, classical dance, and musical performances. His ability to make light "speak" has made him one of Eastern India's most sought-after technical artists.
A Journey from Actor to Lighting Maestro
Poddar's evolution in the creative industry is a testament to his versatility. He did not start behind the light console; rather, he began his professional journey as a theatre actor. His deep understanding of performance eventually led him into set design, before he finally mastered the intricate and highly technical craft of stage lighting.
His expertise has been utilized on the grandest stages, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and various national-level programs. His work has illuminated performances attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Collaborations with Legends
The breadth of Poddar's portfolio is staggering, featuring collaborations with the absolute titans of Indian classical arts. His lighting designs have brought life to the performances of:
- Dance Legends: Pandit Birju Maharaj, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Vidushi Sanjukta Panigrahi, Mallika Sarabhai, and Saswati Sen.
- Musical Icons: Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Shankar Mahadevan.
- Theatre Visionaries: Directors such as Shyamanand Jalan, Bratya Basu, and Suman Mukhopadhyay.
Beyond the borders of India, his creative vision has traveled globally. Through various ICCR-organized tours, his lighting designs have been showcased in the USA, UK, Germany, Poland, Spain, Egypt, Indonesia, and several other nations across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Beyond the Stage: Mentorship and Culture
Poddar's influence extends into the academic and cultural fabric of India. He actively shares his technical wisdom by conducting practical lighting workshops at renowned institutions like the National School of Drama, EZCC, and Rabindra Bharati University. He also serves as a technical resource for international bodies, including the British Council and various foreign consulates in Kolkata.
In addition to formal theatre, he has become a household name for his aesthetic and intricate lighting designs at various Durga Puja pandals, where his work has frequently garnered significant acclaim and awards.
A Lifetime of Accolades
While the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award marks a pinnacle in his career, Poddar has a long history of excellence, including:
- West Bengal Government’s 'Best Lighting Designer' (2007)
- Excellence in Stage Light Designing (2013)
- Three-time recipient of Usha Uthup’s Stagecraft Awards (2014, 2016, 2018)
- EEMA Spotlight Award (2017)
- Outstanding Young Person of Calcutta (1998)
Reflecting on this monumental honor, Dinesh Kumar Poddar expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, "I am immensely proud. My journey has been illuminated by the path of light; today, this recognition—stemming from that very path—has further inspired me for the journey ahead. I am grateful to the Sangeet Natak Akademi for this award."