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Pankaj Tripathi's Play Lailaaj at NSD Festival, Marks Daughter's Stage Debut

Actor Pankaj Tripathi's play *Lailaaj* has been selected for the prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India's largest theatre festival hosted by the National School of Drama. He describes the selection as a humbling "full-circle moment" that reconnects him to his theatrical origins. The play marks his return to the stage after over a decade and features the stage debut of his daughter, Aashi, making it a meaningful family project. His wife Mridula, the play's co-producer, expressed that the selection validates their intention to tell sincere stories through their production banner.

Key Points: Pankaj Tripathi's Lailaaj Play Selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav

  • Play selected for 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav
  • Marks Tripathi's stage return after a decade
  • Features daughter Aashi's stage debut
  • A family collaboration under Roopkatha Rangmanch
  • Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan
3 min read

Pankaj Tripathi calls Lailaaj a 'full-circle moment', says theatre is where his roots lie

Pankaj Tripathi calls his play Lailaaj's selection for the NSD's Bharat Rang Mahotsav a "full-circle moment" and a return to his theatrical roots.

Pankaj Tripathi calls Lailaaj a 'full-circle moment', says theatre is where his roots lie
"Theatre is where my roots lie, and NSD has always represented discipline, honesty, and deep respect for the craft. - Pankaj Tripathi"

Mumbai, Jan 29

Actor Pankaj Tripathi has described the selection of his play Lailaaj for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav as a deeply emotional and humbling experience, calling it a moment that reconnects him with his roots.

Expressing his emotions about Lailaaj being part of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Pankaj Tripathi shared in a heartfelt note: "Bharat Rang Mahotsav holds a very special place in the world of Indian theatre, and to have Lailaaj selected for its 25th edition is truly humbling. Theatre is where my roots lie, and NSD has always represented discipline, honesty, and deep respect for the craft."

Pankaj, along with his wife Mridula's maiden theatre production Lailaaj, a musical comedy play under their banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, has been officially selected to be showcased at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India's largest and most prestigious theatre festival, hosted by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. The festival will be held across January and February, beginning in the last week of January.

Pankaj added, "To bring our very first production under Roopkatha Rangmanch to a platform like this feels like a full-circle moment. Lailaaj is a simple, musical, and heartfelt story, but behind it is the hard work of many people who believe in theatre as a living, breathing art form."

Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj holds special significance for the Tripathi family.

Along with marking Pankaj's return to the stage after over a decade, the play also features the stage debut of their daughter Aashi, making it an intimate and meaningful family collaboration.

"Sharing this stage with my daughter Aashi adds an emotional layer that I will always cherish. I see this not just as a performance, but as an offering to the theatre community that shaped me."

Pankaj's wife, Mridula, co-producer of the play, also shared her thoughts on the achievement.

She said that when they started Roopkatha Rangmanch, the intention was never to chase scale or recognition, but to tell stories with sincerity and warmth.

"For Lailaaj to be selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav, especially in its 25th year, feels incredibly validating. This play has been nurtured with love, patience, and belief in the process. Watching it travel to a platform like NSD, where some of the finest theatre work is celebrated, makes the journey even more meaningful."

Talking about her daughter's theatre debut, Mridula said: "Seeing Aashi take her first steps on stage within this environment is deeply emotional for us as parents. We are grateful to the festival, the audience, and every artist who believes that theatre still has the power to move, heal, and connect."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Bharat Rang Mahotsav is a fantastic platform. So glad to see mainstream stars bringing attention back to theatre. The fact that it's a family production with his daughter's debut makes it even more special. Hope this encourages more people to watch live plays.
M
Michael C
As someone who follows Indian cinema from abroad, it's fascinating to see the deep connection actors have with theatre. Pankaj's journey from NSD to Bollywood and back to the stage is a masterclass in staying grounded. The respect for the craft is palpable.
S
Siddharth J
While I admire his sentiment, I do hope this isn't just a one-off celebrity appearance that overshadows other brilliant, dedicated theatre groups who perform year-round with little recognition. The festival should be about the art, not just star power.
K
Kavya N
"Theatre is where my roots lie" – this line hit me. In an age of OTT and reels, it's so important to remember and support our live performance traditions. Jai NSD! Can't wait to see the play if it tours other cities after Delhi.
R
Rohit P
What a beautiful full-circle moment indeed! From a struggling theatre artist to a celebrated actor, and now giving back to the same community with his family. This is the kind of news we need. More power to Roopkatha Rangmanch!

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