Actor, writer Atul Tiwari receives Rahi Masoom Raza award

Lucknow: Actor and writer Atul Tiwari was honoured with Rahi Masoom Raza award during a programme at Gandhi Bhavan on Monday.The programme titled 16th Dr Rahi Masoom Raza Sahitya Samman Samaroh organised by by Dr Rahi Masoom Raza Academy takes place every year on the birth anniversary of the famous poet, writer and Bollywood lyricist. "I am thankful to the jury members for giving me an award for literature as I am a dramatist and film writer and also happy for Rahi sahab because he wished that film writers should also be kept in the category of writers and today his wish is fulfilled," Tiwari said. He recited many couplets of renowned poets like Nazeer Akabarabadi, Azeez Safipuri and Rahi Masoom Raza. Senior dramatist and actor Surya Mohan Kulshreshtha said: "Atul Tiwari is an epitome of versatility and talent, he is not only a dramatist and an actor but has also written many songs for plays which he directs. He worked remarkably with Shyam Benegal in Bharat Ek khoj and his famous work What is Constitution is an extraordinary creation. It is very difficult to explain speeches of politicians and writing Constitution as a serial is not an easy task." Retd LU prof Nadeem Hasnain said: "He is a wonderful artist, film writer and actor who has played amazing roles and written numerous plays and scripts. He is a blend of wit and grit." Former LU VC prof Roop Rekha Verma, IPTA president Rakesh Veda and president of Rahi Masoom Raza Academy Vandana Mishra were also present. The event also saw tribute to Ram Kishore, the founder of the academy who passed away six months ago.