LUCKNOW, Nov. 8 -- Noted playwright Padma Shri Daya Prakash Sinha, who was connected with theatre as director and actor, passed away in the state capital on Friday. He was 90. A former administrator, Sinha was also known for connecting the Indian theatre tradition with a modern perspective, strengthening it with public sentiments. Sinha had served as the director of Uttar Pradesh directorate of culture as well as the director of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan. He also held the position of chairman, Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Uttar Pradesh State Lalit Kala Akademi. "His plays such as Samrat Ashoka, Rakt Abhishek and Sita's Autobiography are not only excellent examples of theatre, but also expressions of Indian thought and national pride. Sinha learned the nuances of fine arts from Nandalal Bose and Sudhindra Nath Majumdar and took the department of culture in Uttar Pradesh to new heights. We salute his theatrical creations, cultural vision, and organizational leadership. He was a true devotee of the spirit of 'creation through culture' throughout his life," said Rajendra Mishra of UP Working Artist Association while confirming Sinha's death. Expressing grief, senior theatre artiste Anil Rastogi said the city can never forget Sinha's contribution. "It was he who gave the city the Rai Umanath Bali auditorium. Later, it was also his proposal to develop the vacant space under the Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium in UP Sangeet Natak Akademi into Valmiki Rangshala," he added. "He was highly proficient in writing historical dramas and conducted deep research for them," Rastogi said....