Sri Vijaya Puram | February 17, 2026
The three-day Theatre Festival organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the National School of Drama (NSD), concluded on Sunday evening with the staging of the play ‘Babuji’ at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, SVPMC. The final performance drew an appreciative gathering of theatre enthusiasts.
The festival was held as part of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav – International Theatre Festival of India, organised by NSD, New Delhi. The prestigious event brought acclaimed theatrical productions to the Islands, offering local audiences an opportunity to witness nationally recognised performances over three days.
Written by noted author Mithileshwar, adapted for the stage by Vibhanshu Vaibhav and directed by Rajesh Singh, ‘Babuji’ presented a poignant and socially reflective narrative centred on a traditional Indian family. The play revolved around an ageing patriarch—affectionately called Babuji—who symbolises values such as honesty, sacrifice, discipline and quiet resilience.
Having dedicated his life to nurturing and supporting his family, Babuji gradually finds himself marginalised in a rapidly changing social landscape shaped by material ambitions and shifting priorities. Through layered dialogues and realistic portrayals, the production highlighted the emotional isolation often experienced by elders despite their lifelong sacrifices.
The performance struck a chord with the audience, prompting reflection on intergenerational relationships and the evolving dynamics within families. ‘Babuji’ concluded with a powerful message underscoring the importance of empathy, gratitude and the preservation of family values, urging society to restore dignity and emotional warmth in the treatment of elders.
With its thought-provoking conclusion, the theatre festival wrapped up on a meaningful note, leaving audiences with lasting impressions of the power of stagecraft to mirror social realities.
