The National School of Drama (NSD) Repertory Company will stage Hindi plays in Andaman & Nicobar from February 13 to 15, 2026, under the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – International Theatre Festival of India. The event, organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture in collaboration with NSD, will take place at Dr. B R Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC, Aberdeen Bazar.
The festival opens on February 13 with Tajmahal Ka Tendar, written by Ajay Shukla and directed by Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of NSD, beginning at 6 PM. Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, will attend as the chief guest.
On February 14, the play Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun, penned by Vijaydan Detha and directed by Ajay Kumar, will be performed, followed by Babuji, written by Mithileshwar, adapted by Vibhanshu Vaibhav, and directed by Rajesh Singh, on February 15. All shows start at 6 PM, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis from 5:40 PM. Entry is free for the public.
Officials highlighted the festival’s role in promoting cultural engagement and artistic excellence in the islands. As an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of Culture, NSD is globally recognized for theatre training and organizes Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s largest theatre festival featuring national and international productions.
The Administration emphasized that the festival provides residents and visitors the rare opportunity to witness professional theatre locally, broadening cultural awareness and inspiring emerging talent. By hosting the NSD Repertory Company, the islands gain exposure to classical and contemporary Indian theatre without the need to travel to mainland cultural hubs.
The festival also aligns with broader cultural objectives, fostering collaboration between central institutions and local authorities to integrate national-level artistic initiatives in remote regions. Officials noted that performances like these enrich the local arts ecosystem and create vibrant spaces for performing arts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Audience members have been urged to arrive early due to limited seating. The three-day event is expected to leave a lasting impact on local theatre enthusiasts, students, and the general public, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a growing hub for cultural and artistic exchange.
Through this festival, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and NSD aim to strengthen public appreciation for theatre, promote cultural literacy, and provide a platform for high-quality artistic programming in the region.
