Swatantra Theatre, a Pune-based theatre group, presents its 2nd year 'YOTA' (Yuwaraj of Theatre award) to Pradeep Vaiddya on the occasion of its 8th anniversary on 15th August 2014.



Last year Swatantra Theatre presented 'YOTA' to Anniruddha Khutwad. 'Yuwaraj' means the crown prince. The award is in honour of Yuwaraj Shah who is a strong supporter of Swatantra Theatre. He has played a big role in establishing Hindi theatre in Pune and is a well-known journalist concerned about the environment, culture and social work.

This year along with felicitating Pradeep Vaiddya, Swatantra will also be presenting awards to actors under various categories. The names will be declared on 15th August.

Pradeep Vaiddya was an ex-student of the Topiwala National Medical college. He has an MBBS degree but he left his medical career to pursue a career in the creative and the performing arts. He works closely with the Pune-based theatre group Aasakta. He has translated plays and is particularly known for his work as a light designer. He has received a number of awards for light design such as the MIFTA 2012 for the play ALIBANA ANI CHALEESHEETALE CHOR, the META (Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Award) 2007, 2011 and 2012 awards for light design. He was also awarded the Best Director award by META in 2012 for the play SHILLAK. He received five individual nominations, one each for writing and direction and three for light design at the Zee Gauvrav awards 2014. In 2012, he was also awarded the prestigious 'Tanveer Natya Dharmee Puraskar' - an award that is given by Rupavedh Pratishthan set up by Dr Shriram Lagoo and Deepa Lagoo.

He was recently involved as the main organiser for 'IT Karandak' 2014 which is a one-act play competition for IT Sector companies in and around Pune. He has also just finished his tour in the USA with his play PRICE TAG that has been awarded the 'Best Script' award by Zee Gaurav.