`Epitome of grace, commitment, Hyderabadi tehzeeb’: India’s top artistes pay tribute to Razia Baig

Hyderabad: India's luminaries assembled at Radisson Blu Plaza in Banjara Hills to pay tribute to Begum Razia Baig, the chairperson of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation on June 1. The event, marked by poignant performances and heartfelt tributes, celebrated the life and contributions of the late theatre icon.

A Showcase of Global Talent

Works of artistes from various parts of the world, including Telugu playwright Yandamoori, Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, Urdu poet Sardar Jafferi, Marathi lyricist Bal Kolhatkar, and Hindi dramatist Vijay Tendulkar, paid their respects. Renowned performers including singer and Bollywood actress Ila Arun, theatre and cinema actor Mohan Agashe, danseuse Vani Ganapathy, television actress Rashmi Seth, national award-winning actress Mita Vasisht, and local Telugu actor-director Sreedhar Beecharaju contributed with their performances. Each piece centered on the theme of "Mother and/or Woman."

Notable Attendees

Former Minister Dr. J. Geetha Reddy and MLC Amer Ali Khan highlighted Baig's significant impact on Hyderabad's cultural and social fabric.

An Evening of Outstanding Performances

The evening commenced with a heartfelt address by Noor Baig that moved the audience. Performances included Vani Ganapathy’s mesmerizing dance, Mita Vasisht’s captivating rendition of Lal Ded, Rashmi Seth’s enactment from the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation’s play ‘Sawaaneh Hayat,’ Dr. Mohan Agashe’s reading from the Marathi play 'Durinchanthe Thimir Zavo,’ Ila Arun’s portrayal from ‘Pir Ghani,’ Mohammad Ali Baig’s emotional ‘Gehwaara,’ and Sreedhar Beecharaju’s powerful performance of ‘Manushulostunnaru Jagratta.’

Celebrating Heritage and Meaningful Theatre

Noor Baig of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation emphasized the event's significance. “This evening of theatre, poetry, prose, dance, and classical music serves as an apt salutation to the matriarch known globally for her heritage and socially meaningful plays in Hindustani since the 1970s. She was the foundation of this foundation,” she stated.

Reflections from the Arts Community

Ila Arun commended Baig's dedication to the arts. “Begum Razia Baig has been at the forefront of patronizing and energizing theatre artistes around the country and overseas. Her dedication to the art form, especially with her Foundation and the annual Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival, was truly inspirational,” she remarked.

Bollywood and theatre actress reflected on Baig's influence and character. “She embodied grace and commitment, epitomized Hyderabadi tehzeeb, and proved that one need not be flamboyant to leave a profound impact as an artiste. Hyderabad lost a true theatre icon and it is befitting that we pay her this homage,” she observed.

A Legacy Remembered

An audience member noted, “Razia Baig’s legacy lives on through the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, which continues to promote meaningful theatre and cultural activities. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts community, both locally and internationally, ensuring that her spirit and dedication to theatre will be remembered for generations to come.”

Heartfelt Tributes

Mita Vasisht commented on Baig’s understated yet powerful presence in the arts. “While I attended several theatre and arts festivals around the world, I noticed the in-your-face attitude of the organizers, but Begum Razia Baig always mentioned a low profile being a force behind the huge Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival.”

Former minister Dr. J. Geetha Reddy suggested, “A play should be made on her life as she was such an inspiration for women in Hyderabadi society.”

A. K. Khan, former Police Commissioner, highlighted her lasting influence. “Her contribution to the city was such, that the Foundation and the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation have become an integral part of Hyderabadi people that they look forward to eagerly every year, generating interest in theatre even in people not connected with arts.”

Reminiscences from Peers

In an audio address, actress Lillete Dubey praised Baig’s multifaceted personality. “Begum Razia Baig was beautiful, soft-spoken, gentle, empathetic, full of old-world grace and quiet, shining intelligence, but that deceptive exterior hid a spine of steel and an indomitable will! Her warmth and sincerity were unmistakable.” Despite her illness, Ila Arun attended and performed, reflecting on Baig’s humility and dedication. “This smooth and sleek evening was a wonderful tribute to a great mother. Raziaji was so humble with that rare, genuine smile that one would not believe that she ran such a huge institution like the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation.”

Dr. Mohan Agashe poignantly remarked, “There are two times in one’s life that the umbilical cord of a mother is broken… one when the doctor does it at childbirth and the second time when she passes away. There is only one real ‘blood-relation,’ i.e., with your mother."

Rashmi Seth expressed deep emotion, “I am still looking for her in her seat in the front row.”

The event was a fitting tribute to Razia Baig, celebrating her contributions to theatre and her lasting legacy. As Vani Ganapathy aptly summarized, “We are not commemorating but celebrating the life and contribution of Razia ji who was strong, as much as she was elegant.”

The evening highlighted Begum Baig’s profound impact on the cultural landscape and her enduring inspiration to countless artists worldwide.