Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (Culture Department, UP) inaugurated its two-day State Drama Festival on September 25, 2025, with the staging of the play Rashmirathi at the Akademi auditorium. The event was graced by Jaiveer Singh, Minister for Culture and Tourism, as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, his advisor J.P. Singh, and other dignitaries, followed by a welcome by Akademi Chairman Prof. Jayant Khot, Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh, and Director Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar. On the occasion, Chhayanat, the Akademi’s quarterly magazine, released its 168th edition dedicated to renowned theatre personality Padma Shri Raj Bisaria.
In his address, Minister Singh lauded the Akademi’s efforts in promoting drama across the state, highlighting the tiered structure that encourages participation from divisional, regional, and state-level drama festivals. He praised Chhayanat for preserving and promoting theatre values, and remembered Raj Bisaria as a visionary who transformed theatre education in India.
The evening featured the powerful staging of Rashmirathi, directed by Manvendra Tripathi and presented by Sanskritik Sangam, Deoria. Based on Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’s’ epic poem, the play explored the character of Karna beyond the Mahabharata, portraying him as a symbol of struggle, morality, and resilience. The performance, blending poetic verses into dialogue, was widely appreciated for its depth and artistry.
The event was attended by senior theatre personalities including Dr. Anil Rastogi, Lalit Singh Pokharia, and Chitra Mohan, along with theatre enthusiasts. The play’s ensemble cast vividly brought to life the dilemmas and strength of Karna, resonating strongly with contemporary audiences.
The festival continues with more performances, celebrating the spirit of theatre and cultural heritage in Uttar Pradesh.
