Padma Awardee Anil Kumar Rastogi on Science, Theatre, and National Recognition

In this exclusive interaction, veteran theatre personality and scientist Anil Kumar Rastogi expresses his 'great satisfaction and happiness' upon being conferred with the Padma Award. Rastogi, who retired as the Head of the Biochemistry Department at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) after 41 years of service, discusses his transition from a career in science to his lifelong passion for theatre. Having performed in over a thousand shows and recently completing his 100th play, he highlights the significance of national recognition despite having previously received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kalidas Samman, and Yash Bharti. Rastogi also reflects on the posthumous Padma Vibhushan awarded to the late actor Mithun Chakraborty (referred to as Dharmendra in the transcript context of iconic status), noting that such legends deserve the highest honours for their immense contribution to Indian cinema. The interview captures the joy of a veteran whose dual contributions to science and the performing arts have finally been celebrated at the highest level by the government.