Bharat Rang Mahotsav Illuminates Pune with National School of Drama's Theatre Extravaganza
The cultural landscape of Pune is set to be enriched as the prestigious Bharat Rang Mahotsav makes its grand appearance at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) this week. From February 5 to 8, India's premier film institute will transform into a vibrant hub of theatrical excellence, hosting the Pune edition of the country's largest arts and culture festival.
A Celebration of Dual Milestones in Indian Theatre
This year's festival holds special significance as it marks two important anniversaries in the world of Indian performing arts. The Bharat Rang Mahotsav itself celebrates its 25th anniversary, while the NSD Repertory Company commemorates six decades of theatrical excellence. The festival's Pune leg serves as a fitting tribute to the city's rich and enduring theatre culture, which has nurtured countless artists and productions over generations.
Organized by Delhi's National School of Drama, the Bharat Rang Mahotsav typically presents more than 250 plays across India and various international locations. This Pune edition brings three carefully selected productions from the NSD Repertory Company's celebrated repertoire, each representing different facets of contemporary Indian theatre.
Three Theatrical Gems to Grace Pune's Cultural Scene
The festival opens with Laila Majnun, a classic tragedy reimagined by eminent director Ram Gopal Bajaj. This production, which premiered in Delhi in 2024, has garnered particular acclaim from younger audiences for its innovative approach to the timeless love story of Laila and Qais. The director's creative twist on the traditional narrative has breathed new life into this age-old tale.
On February 6, audiences will experience Babuji, directed by Rajesh Singh, head of the NSD Repertory. This production holds special importance in the revival of live musicals on the Hindi stage, a tradition that had been gradually diminishing since 2003. Based on Mithileshwar's story about a folk artist navigating personal choices against societal expectations, the play has been adapted by Vibhanshu Vaibhav.
"The legendary theatre performer and director Baba Karanth first created Babuji in 1994," explains director Rajesh Singh. "It incorporates nautanki and several folk forms. While retaining Baba Karanth's original music, I have added two or three folk songs to enhance the narrative progression of the story."
A Satirical Masterpiece Concludes the Festival
The theatrical journey concludes with Taj Mahal ka Tender, one of contemporary theatre's most popular and hard-hitting satires. This clever production imagines Emperor Shah Jahan's bureaucratic challenges in building the iconic mausoleum for his beloved Mumtaz. Through hilarious sequences depicting administrative corruption, red tape, and governmental inefficiency, the play offers sharp commentary that remains remarkably relevant today.
An interesting historical note adds to this production's significance. Originally directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy in 1998 when he was an artist with the Repertory, the play has maintained constant audience demand over the years, making it the oldest production in the Repertory's current lineup. Today, Tripathy serves as the director of NSD and plays a key role in organizing the Bharat Rang Mahotsav.
Pune's Enduring Love Affair with Theatre
The selection of Pune for this prestigious festival segment acknowledges the city's deep-rooted connection with performing arts. Known for its intellectual curiosity and cultural sophistication, Pune has long been a nurturing ground for theatrical innovation and excellence. The festival's presence at FTII further strengthens the institute's role as a cultural center beyond its primary focus on film and television education.
As lights prepare to shine on the FTII stage, Pune's theatre enthusiasts eagerly anticipate four days of exceptional performances that celebrate both India's theatrical heritage and its contemporary creative expressions. The Bharat Rang Mahotsav promises to be more than just a series of plays—it represents a meaningful dialogue between Delhi's institutional excellence and Pune's vibrant cultural ecosystem.
