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MOKOKCHUNG — In a prestigious ceremony held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, the Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2022 and 2023 to 40 outstanding young artistes from across India on November 22.
Among the recipients was Bendang Walling, a renowned director, performer, and founder of Hill Theatre, Nagaland, who became the first artiste from Nagaland to receive this honour in the field of direction.
The award, presented by the secretary of the Ministry of Culture, recognises exceptional young talent under 40 in various disciplines such as music, dance, drama, folk arts, and puppetry. It aims to inspire and motivate artists across 40 different performing art forms.
Walling is a visionary in the theatrical and performing arts space, celebrated for bringing life to stories and folktales through his innovative direction and passion. Upon receiving the award, he remarked, “This honor is not just for my personal glory but serves as a message to my fellow Nagas. It shows that there are promising opportunities in theatrical and performing arts. These fields can also serve as powerful instruments for societal change.”
An alumnus of the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, Walling has made significant contributions to theatre and film over the past two decades.
Bendang Walling’s achievements underscore the growing potential of the arts in Nagaland. Through Hill Theatre, he continues to inspire aspiring artists to explore theatre and cinema, proving that storytelling and performance can build cultural bridges and bring about positive change. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar adds another illustrious milestone to his journey, cementing his place as a pioneer in the field of art and direction.
Theatre plays directed
2012: Chimti ‘The Ant’, Marriage in the Land of Death
2014: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Morusa, Don’t Women, No Cry
2016: Jina & Etiben
2019: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
2023: The Case of Longti Village, Oliver Twist
Films Directed
2017: Blissful (Selected at Dharamshala International Film Festival)
2020: Dreams & Chaos (Season 1 – Winner of Kashi Indian International Film Festival for Best Regional Web Series)
2023: Silent Screams
Walling has also made a mark in Bollywood, appearing in notable projects such as:
2015: Detective Byomkesh Bakshy
2024: Paatal Lok Season 2