About Suman Kumar
Suman Kumar is a distinguished theatre artist and "Theatre Trendsetter" whose contributions to regional theatre span over six decades since his debut in 1962. A versatile actor and director, he has performed in over 200 stage plays and 1,000 street plays, while directing more than 150 stage productions in Hindi, Magahi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili. His career is marked by prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award and the Bhikhari Thakur Saamaan (Senior) for his lifetime contribution to the arts.
As a founding figure of Kala Jagran, Patna, Kumar has been instrumental in preserving traditional Indian theatre, specifically championing Bhikhari Thakur’s Naach format as a vital theatrical idiom for modern performance. His work extends beyond the stage to national media, where he served as a senior announcer for All India Radio and appeared in acclaimed productions such as Gandhi, Discovery of India, and Damul. He continues to shape the next generation as a mentor and teacher of acting, voice, and speech at the Bihar Institute of Dramatics.
Suman Kumar exemplifies artistic excellence through his commitment to social change, utilizing theatre for public awareness on critical issues like child trafficking through his celebrated production Zaruraat Issi Ki Thee. He has collaborated with major international and national organizations, including UNICEF and the Bihar AIDS Control Society, to lead impactful street theatre workshops and campaigns. Since 1992, he has furthered this mission as a Chief Trainer and Camp Director for children's theatre workshops, fostering social consciousness and creative empowerment in youth across the region.
Official Recognition & Partnerships
UNICEF Certificate
Recognition for child welfare through theatre-based education
Bihar AIDS Control Society
10-year partnership for HIV/AIDS awareness across 50+ districts
Government Recognition
Bihar Culture Department commendation for social transformation
The Bhikhari Thakur Legacy
Preserving Bihar's Folk Theatre Tradition: The Naach Format and Bidesia
Who was Bhikhari Thakur?
Suman Kumar is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the legacy of Bhikhari Thakur, often referred to as the "Shakespeare of Bhojpuri" .He is a leading proponent of the Naach format, utilizing it as a vital theatrical idiom for modern Indian theatre.
The Government of India recognizes Bhikhari Thakur as a cultural icon and his work as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bihar.
Suman Kumar's Contribution
Suman Kumar has been instrumental in keeping the Bhikhari Thakur tradition alive:
Artistic Innovation:
Directed and performed Bhikhari Thakur's masterpiece across Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP, reaching over 100,000 audience members.He has integrated Thakur’s Naach format into contemporary performances, helping to maintain its relevance in modern settings.
Youth Engagement:
Suman Kumar directs Thakur's Natch Party folk plays specifically for children, ensuring the traditional style is passed down to younger generations. He has also revived this lesser-known Bhikhari Thakur play, maintaining Bhojpuri dialect.
Lifetime Achievement:
He received the Bhikhari Thakur Sammaan (Senior) from the Government of Bihar for his lifetime contribution to theatre.
"The Living Archive: A Legacy in Frames"
Gallery of Excellence
Awards, honors, and cinematic contributions
Major Awards & Honors
Cinematic Contributions
Beyond theatre, contributions to acclaimed Indian cinema and historical television.
Gandhi (1982)
Role: Actor
Director: Richard Attenborough
Significance: Academy Award-winning biographical film.
Damul (1984)
Role: Actor
Director: Prakash Jha
Significance: National Film Award winner addressing bonded labor in Bihar.
Bharat Ek Khoj (1988)
Role: Actor
Director: Shyam Benegal
Significance: Direct adaptation of Jawaharlal Nehru's book; spans 5,000 years of Indian history.
Bheem Bhawani (1981)
Role: Actor
Director: Bishamber Khanna
Significance: A crucial show for social awareness and nation-building through storytelling.
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Mirza Ghalib (1988)
Role: Actor
Director: Gulzar
Significance: A critically acclaimed biographical television series based on the legendary poet's life.
lakhera
Role: Actor
Significance: Contribution to Hindi television drama, continuing a legacy of impactful storytelling.
Testimonials & Endorsements
Reflections on a journey across airwaves, stage, and cinema.
"A stalwart of the arts whose contribution to the Bihar Culture Department transcends professional duty. His vision for the region's cultural preservation has been a guiding light for both government initiatives and grassroots artistic movements."
"On the stage, Suman Kumar doesn't just perform; he inhabits. His presence is a masterclass in the nuanced craft of the National School of Drama tradition, bringing a rare, grounded truth to every role he touches."
"सुमन जी के निर्देशन में अजबे जादू है। ऊ मगही के मिठास और देहाती संस्कृति के जे रंगे मंच पर उतारथिन है, ऊ देखला लायक रहे है। उनखर निर्देशन में नाटक खाली खेल नाय, बल्कि हमनी के आपन पहचान है।"
"एक निर्देशक के रूप में सुमन कुमार का दृष्टिकोण हमेशा कलात्मक और अनुशासित रहा है। उन्होंने हिंदी रंगमंच को नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है। उनके निर्देशन की सबसे बड़ी खूबी पात्रों की गहराई और कहानी की सत्यता को पकड़े रखना है।"
Impact & Legacy
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Soul of Indian Folk Theatre
Achievements & Milestones
Co-Founded Kala Jagran
Established Kala Jagran cultural organization in Patna, Bihar, creating a platform for theatre artists and cultural workers to collaborate and create meaningful art, serving as its Founder Secretary to provide a platform for modern Hindi, Magahi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili theatre.
National Recognition
Received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award, recognizing lifetime contribution to Indian theatre. Awarded the Bihar Gaurav Award for bringing pride to Bihar through exceptional contribution to theatre.
Landmark Production
Revitalized the traditional Bhikhari Thakur Natch format, effectively bridging folk idioms with modern Indian theatre. Directed and performed in regional productions across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.Directed the acclaimed play Zarurat Isi Ki Thee on child trafficking, which was invited to the National School of Drama's prestigious Jashne Bachpaan festival.
International Collaboration
Acted in the film Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough. Served as the Technical Director for the Indo-Russian Dance Festival. Received a Best Spot Presenter Award organized by AIR Patna.
Educational Initiative
Teaches acting, voice, and speech at the Bihar Institute of Dramatics. His extensive leadership record includes serving as a ChiefTrainer for state-sponsored children’s workshops since 1992 and frequentlyinter-college and inter-school theatre festivals at prestigious institutions like IIT Patna, Patna Medical College, and Magadh University.
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Photo Gallery
A visual journey through decades of theatrical excellence
Suman Kumar Reading News for Doordarshan
ActorSuman Kumar on the Set of Veer Kunwar Singh.
Suman Kumar during a discussion during his time at Akashvani (All India Radio).
Suman Kumar getting his makeup done before going on stage for a play with theatre group, Kala Sangam.
Suman Kumar in his role in the play Maati Gaadi, produced by the Kala Sangam theatre group.
Suman Kumar playing the role of Abrar Khan in the stage play Amali.
Suman Kumar performing in the play Janashatru, a production by the Kala Sangam theatre group.
Suman Kumar performing on stage in a theatrical production.
Suman Kumar during a live theatre performance.
Suman Kumar in costume for a stage play.
Suman Kumar in costume during a live theatre performance.
Suman Kumar in costume and makeup for a traditional stage performance.
Suman Kumar on a film set.
Suman Kumar is pictured delivering a presentation or performance at Akashvani Patna
Dublicate Babu veer Kuar Singh per aadharit telephone vidroh Mein Kendriya Bhumika mein Suman Kumar
A stage performance of the play Makan. It was written by Mamta Mehrotra and directed by Suman Kumar as part of the Premnath Khanna Smriti Adi Shakti Natya Mahotsav.
A scene from the play Babuji ka Passbook, which was written by Madhukar Singh and directed by Suman Kumar for an event organized by Bihar Art Theatre.
A scene from the play Gandhi ke Charan Champaran Mein, which is based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Suman Kumar.
A scene from the Hindi play Kabootari, which was directed by Suman Kumar and organized by kala jagran.
Comedy Drama Festival held from August 27-29, 2021, directed by Suman Kumar, organized by Kala Jagran, Patna.Sponsored by Ministry of Culture, Government of India
This play Sadagati was directed by Suman Kumar.The play was performed at an event organized to commemorate Premchand Jayanti.The event was hosted by the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar, and the Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy.
This play Madhavi was written by Mamta Mehrotra and directed by Suman Kumar.The performance took place during an event organized by the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata, which is under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
A scene from the theatrical production Sur Sundari. Writer: Dr. Shanti Jain. Directed by: Suman Kumar. Courtesy: Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi
Scene from the play Gotya ko Bacha Lo, written by Hrishikesh Sulabh, directed by Akhileshwar Prasad Sinha, and guided by Suman Kumar with the support of the Ministry of Culture, New Delhi.
Scenes and promotional material from the 11th Historical Drama Festival, held in memory of Dr. Chaturbhuj.Organizers: Kala Jagaran and Magadh Kalakar.Courtesy: Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar.
Ceremonial lamp-lighting and a dramatic scene from the stage production of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s classic work Urvashi, directed by Suman Kumar in Munger under the auspices of the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar.
Suman Kumar is pictured addressing the audience during the Bihar Mahotsav 2014, held from April 25th to 27th at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi.
Suman Kumar is seen teaching and guiding actors during a rehearsal session for the Hindi publication Mati ki Pukar at Kalidas Rangalaya, Patna.
Suman Kumar provides professional guidance and voice direction to an actor during a script recording session in a studio setting.
Suman Kumar is pictured alongside the legendary poet, lyricist, and director Gulzar.
Suman Kumar is pictured in a lighthearted moment with colleagues during the shooting of a Bhojpuri movie.
Suman Kumar shares a warm moment with Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh during the production of a Bhojpuri film
Suman Kumar is pictured receiving a prestigious memento and floral bouquet at an awards ceremony
Suman Kumar is pictured with a group at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) held from November 14th to 27th in New Delhi.
Suman Kumar is pictured conducting a theatre workshop for children at the North Zone Cultural Centre, where he is seen teaching stage movement and direction.
Press Coverage & News Clippings
Media recognition and coverage over the years
The Magic of Voice: Suman Kumar's Perspective
Suman Kumar reflects on his journey from a casual announcer in 1970 to a retired veteran, emphasizing that a deep connection to literature and the "inner voice" is vital for the craft. He advocates for the preservation of Bihar's folk theater styles, warning that these cultural treasures will fade unless we protect the village-level traditions and the artists who sustain them.
Safeguarding the Roots of Rural Culture
In this discussion on Bihar's theatrical styles, Suman Kumar argues that "folk" is the fundamental essence of the region’s identity. He stresses that cultural heritage cannot be saved in isolation; rather, the culture will only survive if we actively support village-level artists and promote the rural lifestyle that birthed these traditions.
Reviving History through Drama: Historical Theatre as a Lesson for the Future
This report covers a historical drama festival at Kalidas Rangalaya featuring the play 'Andha Yug', which was directed by Suman Kumar. Ram Kripal Yadav was also present at the event. The article highlights his role in using theatre as a medium to reflect on history and human nature, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are understood and not repeated by future generations.
Video Gallery
Performance recordings and testimonials
Bihar Bihan | Suman Kumar (Actor & Director) | Producer- Rohini Chaudhary
Suman Kumar Receiving Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award
Bihar Vihan | Suman Kumar | Producer - M prabhakar
JEEVAN HAI ANMOL Street Play By Kala Jagran | director : Suman Kumar | Street Play is based on importance of water & Plants for Life.
Bharat Ek Khoj | Episode-24 | Delhi Sultanate & The Arrival of Turk-Afghans & Prithviraj Raso(I)and (II)
Bheem Bhavani Comedy Serial EP 02 Ashok Kumar Anoop Kumar
Bheem Bhawani EP 11 - Old Doordarshan TV Serial
Bharat Ek Khoj | Episode-14 | Ashoka, Part-I
DAMUL| Suman Kumar|PRAKASH JHA MOVIE
Mehnat aur manjil documentary| Suman Kumar
Voices of Support
Suman Kumar's lifelong dedication to the arts represents the transformative power of theatre in Indian society. His journey goes far beyond individual achievement; his work actively shapes our cultural landscape and continues to inspire new generations of artists and practitioners. We are currently collecting stories and endorsements to document his incredible impact.
For endorsements, testimonials, or additional information, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 9934035237
Theatre for Change: Impact & Social Service
Beyond Performance: Using theatre as a powerful tool for social transformation
Grassroots Social Initiatives