Ramchandra Mishra was a famous playwright who wrote numerous plays for Oriya theatre. He was born in 1921. His first play, Abbnan i.e. "Pride" in 1942 was written in his student days. It was staged by Bharati Theatre in Cuttack and received well by audiences. His second play, Manager in 1945 was produced by Annapuna Theatre`s B-group. The play drew mixed reactions. But henceforth he wrote exclusively for the Annapurna. Midia i.e. "Labourer" in 1946 brought him to the forefront. He was a social entertainer, it gave the company financial stability. Thereafter he never looked back. Gharasamsar i.e. "Household" in 1950, Saipadisha i.e. `Neighbours` in 1953, Bhai bhauja i.e. "Brother and Sister-in-law" in 1954, Narottam Das kahe i.e. "Narottam Das Speaks" in 1969 were all-popular. Cinematizations of Ghamsamsar and Bhai bhauja became box-office hits.
Mishra came into prominence at a time when Kali Charan Patnaik reigned supreme as dramatist. In stagecraft he followed Patnaik`s footsteps. The newborn Annapurna was struggling for existence. Mishra`s magical touch gave it an identity. He was a lawyer by profession. Mishra always picked a problem and tried to solve it. The various difficulties in Hindu undivided families and the decadence of values in society stirred him. He strongly advocated Gandhian philosophy. His depiction of Oriya middle-class families, especially rural ones, is charming. He closely observed human psychology, properly utilized it in his characters, and portrayed relationships sensitively. Simple, natural, suitable but dramatic dialogue, a well-knit plot, wit and humour kept his audiences spellbound all the time.
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