Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 13: The much-awaited three-day Theatre Festival got underway today with a play titled ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’ staged at Dr. B.R Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC. The celebrated Hindi satirical play left the audience in splits. The Directorate of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with National School of Drama is organising a three-day theatre festival as part of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – International Theatre Festival of India of the National School of Drama, (NSD), New Delhi. This prestigious three-day event brings world-class theatrical performances to the Islands. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS was the chief guest on the occasion. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, A&N Administration, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS also graced the occasion.
In his address, the Chief Secretary expressed his happiness that the NSD is organising the three- day Theatre Festival for the entertainment of the people of A&N Islands. The play presented by the NSD and its presentation, energetic performances by the artistes provides a long-lasting impact among the audience, the CS said expressing the hope that NSD in association with the A&N Administration will conduct similar type of activities for the benefit of the younger generation.
The Chief Secretary stated that the main aim of organising this event is to engage youth in theatre activities. He urged the Education and Art & Culture Departments to involve students and children in large numbers in this Theatre Festival. The CS further informed that the A&N Administration in association with the National Book Trust will be organising a 10-days Book Fair at ITF ground from Feb. 14 to 22. He urged people from all walks of life to participate in the Book Fair and take benefit of the event.
In his address on the occasion, the Ex- Director (NSD) & Society Member, Prof. Dinesh Khanna expressed his happiness about the conduct of the Theatre Festival in A&N Islands, which has been closely associated with the Freedom Movement. The theatre festival starting today will be a beginning towards propagating theatre activities further in A&N Islands, he added.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Secretary, Art & Culture, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, said that the Directorate of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with NSD is organising a three-day theatre festival as part of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – International Theatre Festival of India of the National School of Drama, (NSD), New Delhi. She further urged one and all to avail this opportunity and witness the plays being staged by such a prestigious organisation like NSD at Dr. B.R Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC at 6pm on Feb. 14 & 15 which is entry free.
Earlier, Chief of the Repertory Company, NSD, Shri RK Singh gave a brief about the play ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’.
The performance witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with theatre lovers filling the auditorium to enjoy the witty and thought-provoking production. Written by noted playwright Shri Ajay Shukla, the play humorously reimagines Emperor Shah Jahan’s dream of building the Taj Mahal, into an endless ‘tender process.’
The sharp dialogues, impeccable comic timing and energetic performances by the cast kept the gathering thoroughly engaged throughout the evening. The satire struck a chord with the audience, drawing frequent applause and laughter. Organised under the aegis of the National School of Drama theatre festival, the staging of ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’ added vibrancy and cultural richness to the Islands’ performing arts calendar.
The 3-days festival features captivating plays in Hindi is performed by the NSD Repertory Company from New Delhi showcasing the rich diversity of Indian theatre. On February 14, 2026, ‘Mai Ri Main Ka Se Kahun’ (written by Shri Vijaydan Detha and directed by Shri Ajay Kumar) will be staged at 6 PM.
This collaboration highlights the commitment of both the organizations to promote cultural exchange and artistic excellence in remote regions like the A&N Islands. The National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India. The NSD organizes the annual Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s largest theatre festival, featuring national and international productions.