`Remembering Razia Baig’: QABTF launches new initiative to celebrate women in performing arts

Hyderabad: Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation (QABTF) has announced a new initiative to showcase the works of women in the performing arts.

`Remembering Razia Baig’ will cover theatre, cinema, music, literature, cuisine, and fashion, and is scheduled to begin on January 18 at Taj Deccan.

Launch Event Featuring Ila Arun’s Book

The series will commence with the release of renowned singer, stage, and screen actress Ila Arun’s book, `Parde ke Peechhey’. The event will include a reading by actresses Ila Arun, Anjula Bedi, and Noor Baig.

Upcoming Line-up

The initiative features an impressive roster of performances and showcases:

• Himani Shivpuri’s Solo Performance: Akeli from Mumbai.

• Sohaila Kapur’s Showcase: Anand hi Anand, a bio-sketch of Bollywood icons Chetan Anand, Dev Anand, and Vijay Anand.

• Hyderabad’s Contributions: Rashmi Seth and traditional thumri singer Mala Bararia.

• Other Highlights: Kerala-based dancer Daksha Seth and filmmaker Rinki Bhattacharya.

A Tribute to Begum Razia Baig

The series is conceived by Padmasri Mohammad Ali Baig as a mark of tribute to his mother and co-founder of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, Begum Razia Baig. She passed away in March 2024 and was instrumental in curating the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival’s 18 editions.

“This new series would present works of women professionals in performing arts from across the country as a salutation to Begum Razia Baig, whose quiet and understated visions shaped the city’s cultural scape for half a century,” said Mohammad Ali Baig.

Legacy of Begum Razia Baig

Begum Razia Baig’s contributions included producing notable plays such as Quli: Dilon ka Shahzaada, Sawaaneh Hayat, 1857: Turrebaz Khan, Spaces, and Under an Oak Tree. These productions were staged at international platforms such as the Edinburgh Festival and Oxford University.

She was honored with the “Woman of the Decade in Theatre” award by the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and other international recognitions for her work in theatre promotion.

Mohammad Ali Baig further highlighted her influence, stating, “Her vision began with late Qadir sahib’s plays like Barf ki Minar, Aadhey Adhure, Lehron ke Rajhans, and over 40 others since 1970, and continued with the Foundation’s initiatives.”

A Platform for Women’s Voices

“Remembering Razia Baig” aims to provide a platform to celebrate the achievements of women in performing arts while continuing the legacy of Begum Razia Baig and her contributions to Hyderabad’s cultural landscape.