New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) Veteran actor and thespian Amol Palekar will receive the META Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st edition of the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards here, recognising his extraordinary
contribution to Indian theatre and cinema", the organisers announced on Tuesday.
"Over a career spanning several decades, Palekar has been celebrated for his distinctive artistic voice and his commitment to storytelling across stage and screen. His work as an actor, director, and creative visionary has left a lasting imprint on contemporary Indian performance," read a statement from META.
Known for his "boy-next-door" persona, Palekar rose to stardom in the 1970s with films like "Chhoti Si Baat", "Chitchor", "Baaton Baaton Mein", and "Gol Maal".
"We are honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Amol Palekar, whose extraordinary contribution to theatre, cinema and the arts has inspired generations. Through META, we remain committed to supporting artists and providing a platform where diverse voices and narratives can be experienced, celebrated and shared with wider audiences," Jay Shah, Vice President and Head - Cultural Outreach, Mahindra Group, told PTI.
The 21st edition of the theatre festival and awards will stage 10 shortlisted productions at Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre Auditorium from March 19-25.
The week-long festival will explore themes ranging from mythology and devotion to gender, identity, politics, and social change.
META will present awards in 13 competitive categories, including production, direction, stage design, sound and music design, light design, costume design, actor in lead role (male and female), actor in support role (male and female), original script, ensemble, and choreography.
“Every year, META brings together stories from across India, blending classical theatre traditions with contemporary practice. The 10 shortlisted productions for 2026 showcase extraordinary creativity, experimentation, and courage. It is a joy to present these productions to audiences in Delhi, fostering a shared appreciation for theatre as a space for dialogue, reflection, and celebration of our cultural diversity,” Sanjoy K Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, said.
This year's jury comprises renowned theatre director Amal Allana; theatre director and academic Anuradha Kapur; acclaimed stage and screen actor Rajit Kapur; celebrated playwright, director and actor Satish Alekar; and veteran actor, singer and theatre personality Ila Arun.
The winners of the awards will be announced on March 25 during a grand finale at Kamani Auditorium. PTI MAH MAH RB
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