NSD's Prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav Illuminates Pune with Theatrical Brilliance
The cultural landscape of Pune was significantly enriched last week as the National School of Drama (NSD) successfully conducted the Pune chapter of its ongoing 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM). This celebrated theatre festival, organized in a strategic association with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), captivated theatre artists and enthusiastic audiences across the city with three highly acclaimed plays performed by NSD artistes: Laila Majnun, Babuji, and Taj Mahal Ka Tender.
A Nationwide Festival Celebrating Indian Theatre
The 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, which commenced on January 27 and will continue until February 20, began its journey in Bengaluru before making its impactful stop in Pune. Currently, the festival is engaging audiences in Mumbai, with subsequent planned travels to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The grand finale of this silver jubilee celebration is scheduled to take place in Delhi, marking a nationwide tour that underscores the festival's commitment to promoting theatrical arts across India.
Opening Night: A Poetic Rendition of Laila Majnun
The festival's opening day in Pune on February 5 featured the mesmerizing play Laila Majnun, written by Ismile Chunara and directed by the esteemed Padma Shri awardee and former NSD director, Ram Gopal Bajaj. The performance received a resounding standing ovation from the captivated crowd, a testament to its artistic excellence. Enriched by lyrical dialogues and stunning aesthetics, the play beautifully portrays the timeless themes of love and the profound pain of separation. This classic love story is uniquely presented, incorporating nuanced women's perspectives on relationships, adding depth and contemporary relevance.
The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor of FTII; Prateek Jain, Registrar of FTII; and Chittaranjan Tripathy, the current Director of NSD. In his address, Tripathy eloquently stated, "Bharat Rang Mahotsav has stood as a testament to India's artistic depth and cultural diversity. We celebrate not only theatre but the collective imagination of our society. FTII's involvement is special as it reminds us that when institutions of art come together, the country's cultural voice grows stronger."
Second Day: Connecting Audiences with Babuji
On February 6, the auditorium was filled to capacity with a diverse audience comprising families, students, senior citizens, and first-time theatre-goers. Attendees arrived driven by curiosity and a deep-seated love for theatre, all united in their desire to experience the raw honesty of live storytelling. The play of the day was Babuji, directed and starring Rajesh Singh, the Chief of the Repertory Company at NSD.
While the narrative centered on the struggles of an artist striving to live life on his own terms, the evening's larger spirit fostered a powerful connection between performers and the audience, bridging tradition with modern life and intertwining storytelling with personal life experiences. According to Director Rajesh Singh, Babuji reflects the everyday realities that resonate universally. As the evening concluded, attendees departed with smiles, actively discussing scenes, humming memorable tunes, and sharing thoughtful reflections, highlighting the play's impactful engagement.
Final Day: Satirical Masterpiece Taj Mahal Ka Tender
The third day witnessed another packed house for Ajay Shukla's celebrated satire, Taj Mahal Ka Tender. This production was reimagined with present-day bureaucracy at its core by director Chittaranjan Tripathy, who also serves as the current NSD Director. The play's sharp humour and incisive satire deeply resonated with the audience, offering a critical yet entertaining commentary on systemic inefficiencies.
For actor Ajay Kumar, who portrays Shah Jahan in the play, the production carries a rich history. He shared, "The idea of Taj Mahal Ka Tender goes back around 26 years, when we were seeking a strong script. Ajay Shukla had firsthand experience working within the government system, providing him with intimate knowledge of red-tape and bureaucracy. His writing vividly illustrates how files disappear, budgets become inflated, and matters are prolonged endlessly." This background adds a layer of authenticity and relevance to the satire, making it both humorous and thought-provoking.
Celebrating Artistic Collaboration and Cultural Heritage
The Pune chapter of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav stands as a monumental celebration of India's vibrant theatrical traditions. Through the collaborative efforts of NSD and FTII, the festival not only showcased exceptional plays but also strengthened the cultural fabric of the city. It provided a platform for meaningful artistic expression, audience engagement, and institutional synergy, reinforcing the importance of theatre in reflecting and shaping societal narratives. This event underscores the enduring power of live performance to connect, critique, and celebrate the human experience.
