LUCKNOW, June 15 -- Theatre and film personalities visiting the city to select candidates for the master of performing arts (MPA) theatre programme at Bhartendu Natya Academy on Saturday unanimously emphasised the importance of integrating theatre into education as a crucialcomponent for the future, during a candid interaction with the press. Actor and theatre artist Himani Shivpuri, who was present on the occasion, stated that theatre is the foundation of all forms of entertainment - be it OTT, films or television. "When new mediums emerged, many believed theatre would gradually fade away. But it continues to stand strong and will keep doing so, because it is the art form that prepares individuals for OTT platforms, cinema, and TV. Theatre is not just performance-it's a medium of training and education. Organisations like the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) are prime examples, having contributed immensely to society through awareness and education," she said. Echoing the sentiment that theatre will never fade, theatre artist Rajeev Verma remarked that unlike films, theatre largely focuses on societal development. Theatre director Prof Waman Kendre added that while Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati theatre continue to thrive with packed audiences, it is essential for Hindi theatre to move towards a more commercially sustainable model. "It is crucial that, along with premier institutions like the National School of Drama and BNA, directors and theatre artists join hands to build a strong foundation for commercial theatre in the Hindi-speaking regions," said Prof Waman Kendre. Highlighting the role of theatre in education, Prof Navdeep Kaur, head of the Indian Theatre Department at Panjab University, Chandigarh, emphasised the need to introduce theatre as a subject from early childhood. Kaur said this is the most effective way to cultivate interest in theatre among children and ensure its relevance for future generations. "We need to rocognise that theatre reflects a way of life, and it is essential to teach this evolving language to children," said Kaur....