New Delhi, 31 January 2026:* The opening day of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026, the world’s largest international theatre festival organised by the National School of Drama, began with a vibrant blend of powerful performances and an insightful cinematic-theatrical dialogue. Alongside the staging of Chaturbhaani and पीपल Or People, the festival also hosted a special conversation session with the cast of Vadh 2, where the celebrated trio : Sanjay Mishra, Neena Gupta and Kumud Mishra came together to discuss meaningful storytelling and their shared journey from theatre to cinema.
One of the major attractions of the day was the one act play competition organised by the NSD Students Union’s programme Advitya. The competition today featured one-act performances by 5 groups of 70 participants. The competition will further be organised on 6th February in NSD campus.
The play Chaturbhaani, Written by Vararuchi, Ishwar Dutta, Shyamilak and Sudrak and directed by Piyal Bhattacharya, the production was presented by Chidakash Kalalay, Kolkata. The Hindi-language performance captivated audiences with its traditional narrative structure, disciplined choreography and immersive staging. पीपल Or People, A devised production led by Snigdha Paul and Shubham Singh Rawat, and performed by NSD TIE, Sunday Club Part-1, Group-B, the play explored themes of human connection, collective responsibility and emotional landscapes that shape communities.
Sharing the accomplishments of the festival, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, National School of Drama said “For the first time, this festival is being held in Lakshadweep and even in the –30°C temperatures of Leh. This year, Bharat Rang Mahotsav truly spans the entire world, across every continent. Let us applaud this historic achievement and once again extend a warm welcome to our esteemed seniors”
As part of the NSD Students’ Union’s Advitya programme under BRM 2026, a dynamic conversation brought together renowned theatre and cine artists—Shri Sanjay Mishra, Ms. Neena Gupta, and Shri Kumud Mishra, all NSD alumni—in dialogue with Shri Pankaj Jeena. The trio reflected on narratives that matter, their creative instincts, and the enduring influence of theatre on their cinematic craft.
*Neena Gupta* said “Theatre has no filters which is why it continues to ground artists. Festivals like Bharat Rang Mahotsav remind us that despite the glamour of cinema, it is the stage that keeps the artist honest and alive. This connection with performers here today was deeply rejuvenating”
*Sanjay Mishra* said “Theatre has always been my most uncompromising mentor. Whatever I have learnt, timing, empathy, surrender comes from the stage. BRM is not just a festival, it is a living museum of human stories. And every time I interact with young theatre practitioners here, I feel a renewed sense of purpose”
*Kumud Mishra* said “For me, theatre is the art of listening, to your co-actor, to your audience, to the society you’re representing. Standing here at BRM 2026, and speaking about Vadh 2, I realise how much of our cinematic journey is still shaped by these early lessons. Cinema may take our stories to millions, but it is theatre that gives those stories their spine”
During BRM 2026, NSD launched Rang Akash, its radio channel, and Naatyam, its OTT platform—taking theatre beyond conventional spaces. Rang Akash offers conversations, interviews, and audio storytelling, while Naatyam showcases performances, workshops, and exclusive festival content, ensuring Indian theatre reaches audiences worldwide.
The BRM 2026 is scheduled to be celebrated in 40 locations in India covering all the states and union territories apart from Delhi. Presently, the festival is also running in Bengaluru, Itanagar, Imphal and Nagaon.
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