Mohan Upreti Biography 
Mohan Upreti was an Indian theatre director, playwright and a music composer. He is widely regarded as one among the all-time greats in Indian theater music. Upreti is remembered for his immense contribution towards the revitalization of the Kumaoni folk music. His admirers often remember him most for the popular folk song - “Bedu Pako, Bara Masa”. As a true admirer of Indian folk music he has played a significant role in preserving old Kumaoni ballads, songs and folk traditions. Brij Mohan Shah (B. M. Shah) along with Upreti is together credited for the revival of the theatre in the Uttarakhand.
He was born in 1928 in Almora, Uttarakhand. He spent his childhood at his hometown where he completed his primary education. Almora was only a small town in those days. Deeply influenced by trade union leaders like P. C. Joshi, he became a great admirer of Communist Party of India (CPI). He has been associated with Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and the Progressive Writer's Association since its formation in the early 1940’s. While at Allahabad University he formed his theatre group, 'Lok Kalakar Sangh'.
He along with along with B.M. Shah travelled through Uttarakhand to recollect the fast vanishing folk songs, tunes, and traditions of the region. Upreti was instrumental in bringing the Kumaoni culture and music into national focus. His established institutions like the Parvatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi solely aimed to preserve ancient Kumaoni culture and folk music. The institution produces plays and ballads based on this culture and music. He also worked for the revival of traditional Ram-Lila plays and brought before urban society, thus popularizing it. Music of 1980’s television series for kids on Doordarshan, 'Ek Tha Rusty’, based on Ruskin Bond's stories was given by Upreti.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 05, 2014
