The First Indian to Reject a Padma Award: The Untold Story of Theatre Maestro Shishir Kumar Bhaduri

Special Report | Online Bangodarpan

Do you know who was the first Indian to reject a Padma Award?
The answer is none other than the Bengali theatre maestro, Shishir Kumar Bhaduri.

The Government of India announced his name for the Padma Bhushan in recognition of his extraordinary contribution as a playwright. But he declined the honor. In a letter to the government, he made it clear—
“I cannot accept this award. By doing so, I would mislead theatre lovers into believing that the government truly values drama. If the government really wishes to honor me, then let it build a public theatre in Kolkata.”

🎭 Pioneer of Renaissance in Bengali Theatre

Shishir Bhaduri was the first to introduce three-dimensional sets and the proper use of lighting in Bengali theatre. Under his direction, Rabindranath Tagore’s Shesh Raksha was staged in a new way. Before him, theatre only used painted backdrops, and actors recited lines mechanically. He transformed Bengali drama into a professional and modern art form.

📚 A Simple and Scholarly Life

He loved reading and had a well-stocked personal library. A strict vegetarian, his favorite dish was Shukto. He relished pink guavas, fruits, milk, and sandesh. Yet, at home, he never rehearsed dialogues or sought attention. He was detached, calm, and deeply patriotic.

🇮🇳 Patriotism and Devotion to Netaji

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was his greatest inspiration. His room carried only one portrait—that of Netaji. Every year on 23rd January, before beginning any play, he would garland Netaji’s photo and deliver a speech in his honor. One of his famous productions was Raghubir by Kshirod Prasad Vidyavinod, which he described as the first nationalist play in Indian theatre.

🌟 Influence

Many actors, including Soumitra Chatterjee, considered Shishir Kumar Bhaduri their guru. Without his contribution, the evolution of Bengali theatre as we know it today would have been impossible.