Ahmedabad:* The National School of Drama, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, commenced the three-day Ahmedabad edition of its flagship 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 at the Upasana Auditorium in the Gujarat University campus. The three day theatre festival of the Gujarat chapter commenced with the play Desert Bloom – A Musical Tale, written and directed by Mahadev Singh Lakhawat. The Ahmedabad chapter of BRM 2026 is a tribute to the noted theatre and film actor late Shri Raju Barot.
The Opening ceremony was graced by Smt. Nafisa Raju Barot, Notable Social Activist; Trustee, Ahmedabad Theatre Group as the Guest of Honour, Former Advisor to Chairman and ProducerShri Sameer M. Upadhyay, film producer, as the Special Guest.
Dr. Viraj Amar, Director, Upasana School of Performing Arts,delivered the welcome address and was joined by Dr. Chavan Pramod R, noted theatre personality and the festival coordinator for BRM 2026 Ahmedabad chapter.
Conveying his message on this occasion, Shri Chittranjan Tripathy said: “Gujarat, and particularly Ahmedabad, holds an important place in nurturing theatrical arts. We thank the Upasana School of Performing Arts for its support of the National School of Drama’s cause of connecting cultures, in keeping with the spirit of BRM 2026. We look forward to more theatre activities in Ahmedabad in the times to come.”
The opening day play, set in a desert village, Desert Bloom explores female desire, innocence, repression, and quiet rebellion as women negotiate freedom, gaze, and identity within rigid social boundaries. The play was further appreciated by the audience because of its wonderful music and rhythmic movements of actors.
The excitement will continue to rise on 15 February as Avalanche takes over the stage with an adaptation by Gandharv Dewan, Shardul Bhardwaj and Rajesh Nirmal, directed by Gandharv Dewan and presented by The Gathered group from Mumbai.
The BRM 2026 Ahmedabad chapter will conclude on 16 February with the play Sita No Vesh, written by Mahakavi Bhavabhuti and directed by Dr. Chavan Pramod R. The production will be presented by the Upasana School of Performing Arts, Gujarat University. Adapted from Uttaramacharita, the play vividly portrays Gujarati folk culture.
BRM 2026 recently concluded its Surat chapter. The production has since travelled across several Indian states and Union Territories.
The 25th edition of BRM 2026, spans 25 days from 27 January to 20 February 2026, showcasing over 277 productions across 228 Indian and international languages, including several underrepresented tongues. The festival brings together national, international and regional productions, with participation from 9 countries and theatre groups from every state and union territory.
Celebrating India’s theatrical diversity, BRM 2026 includes performances by children’s groups, tribal communities, and artists from marginalised sections, reaffirming NSD’s commitment to inclusivity and the universalisation of theatre.
NSD has been continuously working towards the spread and democratisation of theatre. Recently, it launched Rang Akash, internet radio to promote theatre along with launching its OTT platform Natyam to avail some of its prized productions to theatre lovers across the nation.
