A guru who was a father figure, say Alkazi’s pupils
An eminent theatre actor and drama teacher whose name is forever etched in the world of theatre, Ebrahim Alkazi, passed away on August 4, at the age of 94. The legend was an institution in himself, and his students, who he groomed into becoming his masterpieces, have been emotional since the news of his demise broke.
Actor-singer Ila Arun, who did a short term course at the National School of Drama (NSD) — with which Alkazi was associated as a director for about 15 years — says, “It’s a great loss. I still remember the time when I performed in King Oedipus under the guidance of Alkazi sa’ab, and it became a lifelong bond. I was always in touch with him and his family, all his teachings will be with me, forever. He was like a father to me. He made a difference to all those who came in his touch. Humare liye, it’s the end of an era, an institution. His disciples must be feeling like orphans today.”
Known to be one of the greatest teachers of his time, Alkazi believed in living with his students. Actor-director Satish Kaushik says, “He was a man who made personalities; one of the greatest teachers. The kind of status we have achieved today, he deserves kudos for that. Our training under him was not just about becoming an actor, but he also taught us how to walk in real life, and on the stage. He carved out personalities within us. All great actors, be it late Manohar Singh, Anupam Kher, Naseer bhai (Naseeruddin Shah) or late Om Puri, learnt under him. I’m blessed that he taught us.”
Actor KK Raina also got emotional while talking about his guru. He says, “I came from a small town in Kashmir and knew nothing when I entered NSD. He was my father; he taught me life. He was that one person who taught me how to eat with cutlery on the table. I was like a child; he taught me everything. It’s difficult to speak now because honestly I have no words. I shared a very personal and spiritual bond with him. Whenever I’m in a confusion or dealing with a trouble, I remember him, take his name and the problem gets solved. It’s a tragic loss for me.”
He made a difference to all those who came in his touch. Humare liye, it’s the end of an era, an institution. His disciples must be feeling like orphans today. ILA ARUN ACTOR-SINGER