Pankaj Tripathi and 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. The festival is hosted by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. Now in its landmark 25th year, it will be held across January and February, beginning in the last week of this month, bringing together celebrated theatre productions from across India and the world.
Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj holds special significance for the Tripathi family. Along with marking Pankaj Tripathi’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. The selection of Lailaaj at Bharat Rang Mahotsav marks a major milestone for Roopkatha Rangmanch, as it is the first time their maiden production is being showcased at a theatre festival of such national and international stature.
Expressing his emotions about Lailaaj being part of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the Gangs of Wasseypur actor shared, “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. 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. 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.”
Mridula Tripathi, co-producer of the play, also shared her thoughts on the achievement. She said, “When we 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. 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.”
With its selection at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Lailaaj takes an important step forward in its theatrical journey, reinforcing the Tripathi family’s commitment to stage storytelling. The participation of Roopkatha Rangmanch at India’s largest theatre festival stands as a proud moment, celebrating not just a play but the enduring spirit of theatre, family, and artistic passion.
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