Safdar Hashmi

Safdar Hashmi was an influential Indian playwright, poet, and activist known for his significant contributions to street theatre and social activism in India. He co-founded the theatre group Jana Natya Manch in 1973, which aimed to raise awareness about social issues through performances in public spaces. Tragically, Hashmi was murdered in 1989 while performing a play, a crime that drew widespread outrage and highlighted the dangers faced by artists in politically charged environments. His legacy endures, inspiring many artists and activists to use theatre as a medium for social change and to champion human rights.