Kanishka Sen – Life and Works

Kanishka Sen

Kanishka Sen, an eminent prolific lighting designer of Indian Theatre with his unique innovative approach was awarded Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1994. He was honoured with many titles and admirations amongst which Government of West Bengal accredited him with the Best Lighting Designer Award in 1982 and 1990.
Born on 31st December, 1938, Kanishka Sen focused in the science of Stage and was engrossed in the simulation chemistry of light, sound, stage craft, makeup and performance. Shifting his career from science obtained a Diploma from West Bengal Academy of Dance, Drama and Music later Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta in 1962. He taught Stage Craft and Lighting Design in the same University.
He visited Europe in 1964, United States and Canada in 1975, Japan in 1988, 1993, 1994, Germany in 1991 and many more times abroad including representing Festival of India in Japan and Germany.
Kanishka Sen, initially started as theatrical lighting designer, later worked as the Chief Technical and Lighting Advisor to the Govt. of West Bengal for several years and designed a number of architectural, Pavilions and Auditoria in the country. During his career he worked with legendary Directors like Monoj Mitra, Ratan Thiyam, Haviv Tanvir and many others.

Kanishkada has been ‘Kanishkada’ for generations–– never Kanishka Uncle or Kaku or Mama–– never Dadu–– although age wise, he was qualified to be any of these. I always teased him as Sanforized Kanishkada.

Alakananda Roy

Om Pareek

Gargi Sen