A Proud Moment at India’s Largest Theatre Festival
To begin with, Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula Tripathi have reached a major milestone as their first theatre production, Lailaaj, has been selected for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Delhi. Hosted by the National School of Drama (NSD), the festival is India’s most prestigious theatre event. This landmark edition will take place across January and February. It will start in the last week of January, and will showcase acclaimed productions from India and around the world.
‘Lailaaj’: A Unique and Personal Family Project
Meanwhile, written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, Lailaaj is a musical comedy play produced under the banner Roopkatha Rangmanch. The production holds deep personal meaning for the Tripathi family. Not only does it mark Pankaj Tripathi’s return to the stage after more than a decade, but it also features the stage debut of their daughter, Aashi. As a result, the play becomes a rare and intimate family collaboration.
A Major Leap for Roopkatha Rangmanch
At the same time, the selection of Lailaaj at Bharat Rang Mahotsav is a significant achievement for Roopkatha Rangmanch. Importantly, this is the first time their maiden production will be showcased at a festival of such national and international stature. Therefore, the recognition highlights the collective’s steady growth. It also shows its commitment to meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.
Pankaj Tripathi Calls It a ‘Full-Circle Moment’
Reflecting on the honour, Pankaj Tripathi shared that Bharat Rang Mahotsav holds a special place in Indian theatre. He described the selection of Lailaaj for the festival’s 25th edition as deeply humbling. Moreover, he noted that theatre is where his artistic journey began. Bringing their first production to an NSD platform feels like a true full-circle moment. Performing alongside his daughter, he added, gives the experience an emotional depth he will always cherish.
Mridula Tripathi on Storytelling with Sincerity
Similarly, co-producer Mridula Tripathi expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She explained that Roopkatha Rangmanch was created to tell stories with honesty, warmth, and patience, rather than to chase scale or fame. Consequently, seeing Lailaaj selected for such a historic edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav feels incredibly validating. For her, watching the play reach an NSD stage is deeply moving. Seeing their daughter begin her journey there has also been deeply moving.
Celebrating Theatre, Family, and Artistic Roots
Ultimately, with its inclusion in Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Lailaaj takes a meaningful step forward in its theatrical journey. More than just a performance, the moment celebrates the enduring spirit of theatre, the strength of family collaboration, and the Tripathi family’s lasting passion for the stage.
