STAGE AND THE CITY

17th Bharat Rang Mahotsav at 
National School Of Drama

National School of Drama, New Delhi- Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

India’s gurukul of theatre -National School of Drama, is celebrating its 17^th Annual International theatre festival, Bharat Rang Mahotsav from 1^st to 18^th February, this year. The festival brought to our attention the importance theatre holds in the capital region.

Mandi House Metro Station, which lies right next to NSD is not like any other metro station you'll usually come across. It services the cultural hub of Delhi which apart from NSD has the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts in its proximity. The station displays the richness of the heritage of performing arts in India, through illustrations and information conveyed on the walls.

Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

As you walk into the gates of NSD, you’ll notice some beautiful and mesmerizing art that fills the space between the gate and the main building. Be it a wall devoted to theatrical faces made of grey bricks or over a hundred lamps hanging from a tree, these decorations will surely catch your attention. Though there is one thing that some of these might be there because of the festival. But in case you visit the institution after 18^th Feb, don’t blame me. (Well I believe they won’t remove the wall with the faces, so yeah, you’ll have something to see for sure).

Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

‘The students who enter NSD either become Actor or Director or Conductor in their lives ahead’, said Santram, a gatekeeper of the repertory workshop at the institution. Quite amused with his statement I asked him to clarify. 

‘Those who read and rote learn lots of books end up becoming directors. Those who believe that they have achieved everything in the world by entering NSD only and start perceiving themselves as stars, end up as conductors in DTC buses. And those who maintain the balance between theoretical and practical knowledge, have humility and never sing praises of their capabilities, are the ones who emerge as successful actors ahead’.

‘Uncle, can I take a picture of yours please? Need it for an assignment’ I requested.

‘Photo? Let me wear my turban first, then click it’. The guy with his modestly and innocence literally won our hearts.

Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

Bharat Rang Mahotsav was established by NSD to stimulate the growth and development of theatre across the country. Originally a national festival showcasing the work of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has evolved to international scope, hosting theatre companies from around the world, and now is the largest theatre festival of Asia. Apart from several national and international performances, the 17^th Mahotsav is inviting theatre societies of Delhi University, to perform their annual street productions at the festival.

Mr. K.K. Rajan, a gold medallist from National School of Drama and presently teaching Direction at the M.P. School of Drama in Bhopal, was an attendee at the fest. I got the opportunity to interview him, though for a very short duration, about theatre and Delhi.

‘Sir do you think Delhi’s been a prominent location for evolution and development of theatre in India, in the recent past years?’

‘Well I disagree. Apart from NSD, Delhi doesn’t have many other institutions imparting quality education in theatre. Also the training provided here is rather more focused on bookish elements. In Delhi there’s a lot of commercialisation of theatre, which is the reason why people associated with theatre don’t earn enough here. And lastly, people of Delhi aren’t much acquainted with famous theatre directors. The participation of the audience matters’ he said.

Picture by Dilgrace Kaur

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav is still going on at NSD till 18^th February. Not just great performances, but the fest has a number of stalls for foodies and jewellery lovers. There’s a stall from Pune who is selling delicious Vada Pavs and the very popular ‘Daulat ki chaat’ is also available there. So I suggest you to take a break from your hectic routines and  experience some dramebaazi at NSD.

Dilgrace Kaur

Dilgrace Kaur is studying Journalism (Hons) at Kamala Nehru College. She is a passionate story teller and loves conveying her ideas through various mediums be it through writing, making videos or in the form of plays.