“Theatrewala” Mangal Dhillon bids farewell: Remembering his legacy in Canadian theatre

Farewell to ‘Theatrewala’ Mangal Dhillon

June 11, 2023, marks the day when the world remembers the birth anniversary of Sidhu Moosewala, a famous personality. But, this date also marks the demise of another renowned actor, director, writer, and producer, Mangal Dhillon, who lost his life to cancer in Ludhiana. Dhillon’s death comes as a rude shock, and his loss is a personal one for Chandigarh and Punjab, where he found his calling in the corridors of the Indian Department of Theatre, Panjab University.

Roots of Career and Theatrical Journey

Mangal Dhillon was a village boy from Wander Jattana who completed his graduation from Mukstar college and, despite his father’s wish for him to choose a career in the police or law, fell in love with theatre and formed his group, Natyalya, in 1982. Dhillon moved to Chandigarh, penniless and uninspired, to pursue his career in theatre, and it was on the department stage of the Indian Department of Theatre, Panjab University that he honed his skills, learnt the craft, and realised his potential. Dhillon’s voice, a baritone, was loud and clear, and not easy to forget.

Remembering Dhillon’s Legacy

Mangal Dhillon was an exceptional actor, writer, and producer, and his unparalleled commitment to theatre was impressive. He was a grounded and distinguished man who never forgot his roots, even as many of his colleagues moved to Mumbai. Balraj Sahni, another actor who remained rooted throughout his career, counted himself one of the few who remained true to the land. Atamjit Singh, a Punjabi playwright who won the Sahitya Akademi Award, reminisced about his long association with Dhillon, his acting skills, and his brilliant commitment to theatre. Dhillon’s play, ‘Theatrewala Urf Pagal Hai,’ still resonates at Tagore Theatre, and his films and documentaries centre on Gurbani, holy religious practises, healing powers, and drug abuse.

Dhillon’s Contributions to Indian Telly and the Film Industry

The late 1980s in India was a golden era of content-rich and groundbreaking serials in Indian telly, and Dhillon’s performance in Lubhaya Ram in Buniyaad, Raja Thakur in Yug, Sumer Rajvansh in Junoon, Col Hoshiar Singh in Param Vir Chakra, and Maulana Azad in Maulana Azad stood out. He was also impressive in his roles in Ghutan, Katha Sagar, Khoon Bhari Maang, and Train to Pakistan. Over the years, Dhillon moved between Punjab and England, continuing his theatrical journey and focusing on spirituality, philosophy, and Gurbani.

Parting Words

Mangal Dhillon’s death is a loss to the world of theatre and film. He was a man of brilliance who remained rooted, committed to his family, to his work, and to his art. Despite his talent, he never received the credit he deserved, which is sad. Mangal Dhillon’s legacy will live on, and he will be sincerely missed.