Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bias to inaugurate BharatRang Mahotsav 2024
· His Excellency Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, accompanied by Sh. Paresh Rawal, Chairperson NSD and Padmashree Awardee, and other prominent theater artists & actors will join the opening ceremony and red-carpet event at NCPA
· Renowned actor and NSD Alumnus Pankaj Tripathi is the ‘Rang Doot’ or
Festival Ambassador of this year’s Festival.
· National Award-winning lyricist, singer, and NSD alumnus Swanand Kirkire has lent his poetic prowess by crafting the lyrics for the ‘Rang Gaan’ or Festival Anthem.
· This year’s festival is themed on ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam’: a celebration and salute to the unity of artists and theatrefolk world-over, working towards social harmony.
Pune: The National School of Drama (NSD) has announced the forthcoming Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM 2024), the world’s largest theatre festival. BRM will kick off with a splendid inaugural ceremony at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on February 1st, 2024. His Excellency Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, accompanied by NSD Chairperson Paresh Rawal, will officially open the festival with a special ceremony.
The event is scheduled to take place from 1st to 21st of February, 2024. Spanning across 15 cities in the country, this 21-day theatre festival will feature over 150 performances, and numerous workshops, discussions, and master classes, providing a rich tapestry of Indian and global theatre traditions. Additionally, this year will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the inception of Bharat Rang Mahotsav.
The Pune Press Conference was addressed by NSD Director Sh. Chittaranjan Tripathy, NSD Registrar Sh. Pradeep K. Mohanty, NSD Associate Professor Sh. Yashraj Jadhav, and other prominent members of NSD at the Sriram Lagoo Rang-Avkash, D Building Udyog Bhavan.
This year’s festival revolves around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam, fostering global unity among thespians and artists. Emphasizing social harmony, it seeks to create a sense of a shared world – the entire world one large family, bringing diverse cultures together through the powerful medium of the performing arts for a truly enriching experience.
NSD Director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, “As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Over the past quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasizing the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. This year’s festivities will not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our steadfast belief in the transformative power of the performing arts.”
In Pune, this theatre festival promises an exhilarating cultural spectacle from February 2nd to February 6th at the prestigious Dr. Shriram Lagu Auditorium. Opening with the heart-touching ‘Laila Majnu’ by Ismile Chunara, translated by Sabir Irshad Usmani and presented by the NSD Repertory Company from Delhi, the festival boasts a line-up that spans diverse languages and narratives. Notable highlights include ‘The Nights’ by Adithi Rao and Neel Chaudhuri, ‘Aniket Sandhya’ by Chandan Sen, and ‘Darwin’ by Mrinainee Vanarase. The grand finale on February the 6th features ‘Parijata’ by K Y Narayanaswamy, directed by B Jayashree and performed by Spandana from Bengaluru. Each play unfolds a unique cultural tapestry, contributing to Pune’s vibrant theater scene. Media and theatre enthusiasts alike will get a riveting experience, as the festival explores the dynamic interplay of languages and narratives on stage.
2024 marks the Silver Jubilee year of this festival, marking a commitment towards platforming diverse theatrical voices in a celebration of the magic of theatre. Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across Mumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.
In an innovative move, this year NSD also introduces Rang Haat, an annual initiative aimed at establishing Asia’s inaugural global theatre market and nurturing international collaborations in the theatrical domain. Rang Haat will unite theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters, fostering the discovery of hidden talent, showcasing international projects, and facilitating both creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a broader audience, fostering potential collaborative ventures and injecting dynamism into the global theatre landscape.
The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions, director-audience dialogues, discussions, and seminars will explore various facets of theatre, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran thespians, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.
For more information, please visit the official NSD/BRM website: https://nsd.gov.in/, www.brm.nsd.gov.in
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dr E Gajalakshmi, Librarian & PRO (i/c), +918697210553
Dr Prakash Jha, Publication (i/c) & Asst.PRO (i/c), +919811774106
