NEW DELHI: Rajinder Nath, veteran theatre artist and the first director of the Shri Ram Centre, passed away at his residence here on Thursday morning due to age-related ailments. He was 91.
"He was not doing well for the last three-four years, but the last 10 days his condition worsened. He died this morning at his home," Subhash Gupta, theatre director and long-time associate, told PTI.
Nath is survived by his son and daughter.
Born in August 1934 in Dalwal, now in Pakistan, Nath grew up to become a stalwart of theatre and led the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts (SRCPA) as its first director from 1976-81 and again from 1983-89.
He also founded Abhiyan Theatre Group in Delhi in 1967 to bring original Indian scripts that were never done in Hindi theatre previously.
The group's direction was handed to Gupta in 2019.
Gupta also condoled Nath's death in a post on Facebook.
"My elder brother Rajinder Nath ji, who was like a father to me and with whom I shared a bond of the last 50 years, has departed from this world today. His contribution to the world of theatre and to Abhiyan will never be forgotten. He has left behind many memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. You will be remembered every moment, for the rest of my life," he wrote.
Some of Nath's most notable productions included the Hindi translations of Vijay Tendulkar's "Ghashiram Kotwal", "Ashi Pakhare Yeti" ("Panchhi Aise Aate Hain"), and "Pahije Jatiche" ("Jat Hi Puchho Sadhu Ki").
He also adapted Badal Sircar's "Baaki Itihas", "Sari Rat", "Pagla Ghoda", and "Tiswin Sadi" for the stage.
In 1980, Nath started the SRCPA repertory company and also the school's annual theatre festival.
In 1977, he was given the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for direction.
The Press Club of India expressed "profound grief" over the demise of the theatre veteran and one of its senior members.
The Press Club of India expresses profound grief over passing away of its senior member and #Theatre stalwart Rajinder Nath.
— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) July 24, 2025
A Sangeet Natak Academy awardee, he also headed the Shri Ram Centre (Mandi House) for several years.
We are sending healing prayers and comfort to his… pic.twitter.com/DD25JzJpPW
"A Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, he also headed the Shri Ram Centre (Mandi House) for several years. We are sending healing prayers and comfort to his family members and friends during this tough time," it said in a post on X.
Nath's last rites were performed at Lodhi crematorium.
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