Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has been appointed as the chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD), India’s premier drama institute, reported PTI. 

Union Culture Minister Prahlad Patel took to Twitter and said, “Renowned artiste Paresh Rawal has been appointed as Chairman of National School of Drama by Rashtrapati Bhavan. I am glad that students and artistes will be able to take advantage of his talent. I congratulate him.”

Rawal, a former BJP MP, who brings on board years of experience in both cinema and on stage said that he is looking forward to taking charge of the post, which has been vacant since 2017.

He told PTI, “It will be challenging but fun. I will do my best because this is a field I know very well.”

According to Nitin Tripathi, advisor, media, Ministry of Culture, the ‘Hera Pheri’ fame actor has been appointed for a period of four years. 

The 65-year-old has been part of the film industry for over three decades and is a National Award winner.  He was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2014.