7th Bharat Rang Mahotsav Kicks Off in New Delhi

New Delhi, 31 Jan 2015 – The 17th Bharat Rang Mahotsav will kick off with the National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory Company’s production of “Ghazab Teri Adaa,” directed by Prof. Waman Kendre, at Kamani Auditorium on 1st February at 6:00 PM. The performance also marks the NSD Repertory Company’s 50th anniversary.

The event will feature Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, as Chief Guest. Esteemed actor Om Puri will be the Guest of Honour, and the ceremony will be presided over by Sri Ratan Thiyam, Chairman of the NSD Society.

About the Play

“Ghazab Teri Adaa” is inspired by Aristophanes’ Lysistrata and is set in a fictional kingdom, where the women rise against the king’s relentless pursuit of war. Led by the character Laya, they stage a non-violent protest by withholding intimacy from their husbands until the war ceases. The play highlights themes of peace, gender equality, and the futility of violence.

Director’s Vision

Prof. Waman Kendre, the play’s director, has long been inspired by Lysistrata and was particularly moved by its portrayal of women opposing war. With a poetic and stylized dialogue form, Kendre reimagines this timeless story in the context of today’s global conflicts, making a powerful statement about gender, power, and resistance.

Prof. Kendre, who serves as the Director of NSD, is a noted theatre artist, playwright, and educator, known for his socially and culturally engaged work. He has received numerous awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2012 and the Manohar Singh Smriti Puraskar in 2004.

The NSD Repertory Company

Established in 1964, the NSD Repertory Company is a pioneering force in Indian theatre. With a legacy of producing over 155 plays directed by 75 directors, the company has been instrumental in promoting both traditional and experimental theatre. It has toured extensively across India and internationally, bringing diverse narratives to the stage.

As it celebrates its 50th year, the Repertory Company continues to push boundaries in Indian theatre, fostering a creative platform for emerging talents and showcasing compelling performances.

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