Diverse Theatrical Productions with Imtiaz Ali and Divya Dutta Interactions Keep Audiences Glued at BRM 2026
Puppetry Theatre segment of BRM 2026 commences at Triveni Kala Sangam
09 February 2026 | New Delhi: The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) — the world’s largest international theatre festival organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) — witnessed an exceptionally engaging day on 9 February, as stages across the capital came alive with compelling storytelling, riveting performances, and creative excellence by some of India’s finest theatre groups. The day stood out as one of the festival’s strongest showcases, drawing enthusiastic responses from large audiences.
From classical reinterpretations to contemporary devised works, and from children’s performances to storytelling through puppetry, the day presented a rich and varied lineup that left audiences mesmerised. Each performance was met with warm applause, with viewers appreciating the diversity and artistic depth on display.
On 9 February, the festival presented Amrut Manthan, written by Dr Sonal Mansingh and N. Ravikiran and directed by Dr Sonal Mansingh, performed by CICD Delhi in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Tamil. This was followed by Darjeeling Venom, written and directed by Divyanshu Kumar and staged by Kshitij Theatre Group, Delhi, in Hindi. Hunar Hi Winner Hai, a devised production led by Siddharth Khanna, supported by Utpreksha and performed by NSD TIE, Sunday Club Part-2, Group-D, showcased young talent through an engaging Hindi performance.
As part of BRM 2026, which stands for inclusive and diverse theatrical performances, the special puppetry segment commenced on 9 February at Triveni Kala Sangam Auditorium, New Delhi, and will continue till 13 February 2026. The segment opens with Saau, followed by Padmagatha, Folktales from Panchatantra, and Rumiyana, and concludes with Bisarjan, collectively highlighting the richness and diversity of India’s puppetry traditions, languages, and narrative forms.
The day’s performances continued with Mirage (Solo), written by Ananya Mukherjee and directed by Randhir Kumar, performed by Raaga Repertory, Patna, in Hindi. This was followed by Jalam Amritam, written by Madhu Pant and directed by Nisha Trivedi, staged by Abhigyan Natya Association in Hindi. The day concluded with Shabdangal, directed by Salma Dandin and performed by the National School of Drama Diploma Production, also in Hindi.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere was further amplified by a gripping street play that transformed public spaces into an open stage, drawing audiences into its powerful and socially relevant narrative. The creative energy of the day was elevated further through a thought-provoking interaction featuring renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and acclaimed actor Divya Dutta, who spoke on storytelling, performance, and the emotional truth that binds cinema and theatre, leaving the audience deeply inspired.
Reminiscing about his days in Delhi, Imtiaz Ali said,
“My association with the National School of Drama dates back to my college days. I have visited NSD over the years, and even today, the institute feels like home. The warmth I receive here is not linked to recognition or fame, but to a deep and enduring connection.”
Divya Dutta shared,
“Being here reminds me why I fell in love with performing. Theatre strips everything down to raw emotion, creating a shared experience where the audience becomes part of the story. That connection is what makes this art form timeless. As artists, we reflect society but also encourage it to feel, question, and grow. Watching today’s young performers fills me with hope—the future of storytelling is in passionate, fearless hands.”
The 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), stands as the world’s largest international theatre festival. BRM 2026 will run for 25 days, from 27 January to 20 February 2026, featuring over 277 productions across 228 Indian and international languages, including several underrepresented tongues. The festival brings together national, international, and regional productions, with participation from nine countries and theatre groups from every state and Union Territory of India.
Celebrating India’s theatrical diversity, BRM 2026 includes performances by children’s groups, tribal communities, and artists from marginalised sections, reaffirming NSD’s commitment to inclusivity and the democratisation of theatre.
NSD continues to work towards expanding access to theatre through initiatives such as Rang Akash, its internet radio platform, and Natyam, its OTT platform, which makes select NSD productions available to theatre enthusiasts across the country.
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