NSD looking to launch drama PhD with GU tie-up

Ahmedabad: The renowned National School of Drama (NSD) has expressed interest in collaborating with Gujarat University (GU) to introduce a PhD programme. In response to GU's letter proposing collaboration for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in drama, NSD stated its keen interest in initiating a PhD programme with the university.
NSD has produced many critically acclaimed alumni, including actors such as Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, Piyush Mishra, Pankaj Kapur, Pankaj Tripathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Neena Gupta, among others.
In the letter dated Oct 8, NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy emphasised the importance of a strong research component for the development of the performing arts ecosystem. He suggested that the collaboration could involve "joint research projects, faculty exchange and access to resources for research scholars".
While GU had expressed interest in collaborating with NSD for various UG and PG courses through its Upasana School of Performing Arts, NSD's response focused on the potential PhD programme collaboration without clarifying its intentions regarding the other proposed courses.
Experts in drama and theatre noted that researchers previously had to pursue their studies at Maharaja Sayajirao University or drama schools outside the state. The potential collaboration between GU and NSD could significantly benefit researchers and the field of drama.
Viraj Amar, director of the performing arts department at GU, told TOI that the university offers UG and PG courses in drama and seeks to collaborate with NSD for the benefit of students and faculty members. She added that if the collaboration materialises, researchers at GU would have access to NSD's faculties, facilities, and resource materials, which could prove highly beneficial for both institutes.