Shahid Anwar, celebrated playwright, theatre enthusiast and most of all a large hearted warm human being left us yesterday. The Urdu and Hindi literary community has been plunged into gloom by Shahid’s untimely departure. He mentored many young people through his theatre group Behroop and had a wide circle of friends who admired him for different facets of his open and engaging personality. Awarded for his work by Sahitya Kala Parishad, Ghalib Institute, Delhi Urdu Academy, he wore his distinctions lightly and continued to do his cultural work quietly and effectively.
We at Pratham Books had been fortunate to have persuaded him to write for children over the past two years. His forthcoming play for children Sabzpari ka Jaltarang is about to go to press and we are struggling to accept the fact that he has gone before he could hold a copy in his hands. Our deepest condolences to Poonam, his partner and our dear colleague and to young Kaasni.
RIP Shahid…you will be missed.
– written by Manisha Chaudhry