Telangana Governor Jishnu Varma inaugurates Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival

Hyderabad: Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival, a highly anticipated event in Hyderabad’s cultural calendar, commenced its 19th edition on a memorable note, blending tribute and entertainment.

Inaugurated by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, the festival, held at the Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex, promises a week of diverse performances, from classical and dance theatre to storytelling and satire.

A New Addition to the Festival: Comedy by Ashish Vidyarthi

Opening night featured a lively stand-up performance by actor Ashish Vidyarthi, blending his extensive theatrical background with experiences from a film career spanning 350 movies in 11 languages. Titled “Sit Down Ashish,” Vidyarthi’s act humorously detailed his journey, from his early struggles as a National School of Drama graduate to becoming a National Award winner.

Sharing stories of family, career, and amusing encounters, Vidyarthi’s performance added a fresh dimension to the festival. Reflecting on life’s journey, he closed with the thought, “Life should not be long, but it should be tasty.”

Governor Highlights Theatre’s Enduring Impact

Governor Varma, who formally launched the festival, highlighted the event’s contribution to Hyderabad’s theatre culture over nearly two decades. Reflecting on the late Begum Razia Baig’s influence, he quoted Shakespeare’s famous words, “All the world’s a stage,” and praised her lasting impact on the theatrical world.

He further commended the festival’s curator, Mohammad Ali Baig, for his dedication to expanding the theatre’s reach in Hyderabad. The Governor applauded the festival’s ability to engage new audiences, noting that Vidyarthi’s performance marks the festival’s first foray into comedy, aiming to attract a broader demographic.

A Tribute to Begum Razia Baig’s Legacy

Curator Mohammad Ali Baig dedicated this year’s festival to the memory of his mother, Begum Razia Baig, co-founder and chairperson of the event, who passed away earlier this year. “For the first time in 19 years, Begum Razia Baig is not with us. She was the heart and soul of this festival,” Baig shared.

He expressed his gratitude to the Hyderabad community and the state government for their ongoing support, reaffirming that the festival honors the legacy of his father, Qadir Ali Baig, who introduced Hyderabad audiences to large-scale, iconic theatre settings in forts and palaces.

A Week of Theatre: Notable Performances and Guests

The festival, which runs until November 10, offers a varied lineup designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of theatergoers. Highlights include:

• Miracle on Matunga Street: A play featuring Ila Arun and K.K. Raina.

• Farida: A love story set in Kashmir, directed by Nadira Babbar.

• Thyagaraja Hruth Sadhana: A dance-theatre piece by Praveen Kumar.

• An Ode to Motherhood: A tribute to Begum Razia Baig, featuring Zila Khan and Mohammad Ali Baig.

• Interactive Theatre: UK-based artist Alexander Wright will present a piece inspired by Greek mythology.

Official Program and Ticket Information

The opening ceremony included the release of the official festival brochure by the Governor, with Lakshmi Devi Raj, Director of the Festival, and Noor Baig, Vice President of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, also present.

Tickets for the festival are available on BookMyShow, inviting theatre enthusiasts to experience a diverse cultural lineup at Hyderabad’s historic Taramati Baradari.

This year’s edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival honors both family legacy and Hyderabad’s passion for the arts, with a program set to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.