20 Years in the Spotlight : Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation

20 years ago, social media was barely the ubiquitous thing it is today, and entertainment was confined to radio and sporadic TV programs, constrained by the technology of the time. People had very limited ways of consuming entertainment. Fast forward two decades, and we are now surrounded by a colorful and vibrant variety of content – constantly at our fingertips, streaming from multiple digital screens. In this age of endless infotainment, leaving the comfort of our homes, battling through traffic for over an hour, and sitting in a quiet venue to watch a play unfold under dim lights might seem anachronistic. Yet, this is precisely what happens at each performance by the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation.

In an era of immediate gratification and digital distractions, the Foundation has cracked the code to not just draw audiences into these intimate performances but captivate them fully – audiences that represent the crème de la crème of society. From bureaucrats and top police officers to businessmen and families who personify Hyderabad’s golden past, the audience at each event is as illustrious as the theatre itself.

This unique blend of tradition and innovation owes itself to the vision of Mohammed Ali Baig, the mastermind behind the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation. Conceived in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the then Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre is reverred globallly.

While Mohammad Ali Biag initially found himself repelled by the world of theatre, pursuing a career in over 450 ad films and working with global corporations, the call of the stage was inescapable. His father, the legendary Qadir Ali Baig, a towering figure in Hyderabad’s theatrical history, had left behind a legacy of awe-inspiring performances that elevated theatre to new heights.

It was this legacy, coupled with a public outpouring of love and admiration for his father. Determined not to rest on the laurels of past glory, the perfectionist in him ensured that every production was nothing short of extraordinary – from meticulous sets to intricate costumes, from rich dialogues to powerful performances. This attention to detail quickly became the hallmark of his productions, earning him accolades not just in Hyderabad but across the world. Today, Mohammad Ali Baig has proved his mettle as the Sultan of Hyderabad’s global theatre.

As the Foundation celebrates its 20-year milestone, Baig’s contributions have been recognized at the highest levels. In 2014, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, and his work has been celebrated by dignitaries including governors, top police officers, and cultural luminaries. The theatre’s stars delivered iconic performances, one after the other, continuing to attract high-profile attendees and top-tier audiences despite the tectonic shift in dynamics of entertainment consumption.

But the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation is not content with merely preserving the past. It has successfully blended Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage with a modern sensibility, expanding its reach beyond the city’s borders. Its productions have made their mark on the global stage, taking theatre to renowned venues in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, and Singapore. Suffice to say, its success lies not just in the quality of its performances but also in its ability to attract and collaborate with global talent, from acclaimed directors and actors to Bollywood stalwarts.

Among the many highlights is the “Remembering Razia Baig” series, which pays tribute to the Foundation’s late co-founder and Baig’s mother, who passed away in 2024. “Her quiet yet powerful force in the revival of Hyderabad’s theatre scene lives on in every play”, her son, Mohammed Ali Baig, remarked. 

In a move to broaden its appeal and engage diverse audiences, the Foundation also celebrates and showcases personalities who have shaped the cultural landscape. The biography of Ila Arun – one of Bollywood’s most celebrated voices – was launched through the Foundation’s platform, the 19th edition of the flagship Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival introduced a refreshing new element: Ashish Vidyarthi, the celebrated actor, performed his stand-up comedy act, “Sit Down Ashish,” marking the first time that comedy was featured in the festival, and giving a new dimension to its already eclectic offerings.

The Foundation also continues to engage with the stories and legacies of iconic Bollywood personalities. The Anand Brothers, including Dev Anand, have been part of Baig’s larger-than-life theatrical explorations, bringing the grandeur of the silver screen to the stage. Some plays have also been written by his better half Noor Baig, who is also an evocative performer in many.

Not only have their theatrical performances reached a broader audience, but they have also attracted some of the finest talent in the industry. Actors like Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi, and Naseeruddin Shah have graced the stage in Baig’s productions, further solidifying the Foundation’s credibility and artistic caliber. Their involvement underscores the Foundation’s ability to draw A-list stars from both the theatre and film industries, creating a platform where diverse forms of storytelling can come together.

Telangana Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, who inaugurated the 19th edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival in November 2024, commended its remarkable influence on Hyderabad’s theatre culture, stating, “This festival has truly reshaped Hyderabad’s theatre scene.” He further remarked on the legacy of Begum Razia Baig, quoting Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage”, and observing how she “played her role with grace and left an enduring impact on the stage of life.” The Governor also praised Mohammad Ali Baig for continuing to bring theatre to new generations, appreciating the inclusive vibrancy of the festival.

The ‘Sunset Sunrise’ play written by Baig’s wife and playwright Noor Baig, and co-produced by late Begum Razia Baig, peformed on the occasion of Foundation’s 20 years milestone left the audience spell-bound. Former advisor to the Telangana Government A.K. Khan (IPS), who graced the 20 years milestone event of the foundation, also praised the Qadir Ali Baig theatre’s impact, saying, “I have been a witness to the institution that Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation has become in the minds of Hyderabadis in the last 20 years. Mohammad Ali Baig, with the blessings and support of his mother, Begum Razia Baig, has single-handedly changed the cultural landscape of Hyderabad. This Foundation is more than just an annual festival; it represents original work, bringing theatre alive in the city with each production.”

The attendees included Army Chief of Telangana and AP Ajay Misra, former General Easwaran, Col Sanjay Sharma, Amer Ali Khan MLC, Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, designer Vinita Pittie, Sania Mirza’s father Imran Mirza, former Bureaucrat Raymond Peter and German director Dean of Woxsen and a host of theatre lovers who not only gave a resounding applause but also were seen queuing up for series with Baig couple.

Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana’s Principal Secretary for IT and Industry, also lauded the Foundation’s contributions to cultural vibrancy in the city, stating, “The Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation has not only preserved Hyderabad’s rich theatrical tradition but has evolved with the times, bringing in new themes, perspectives, and genres that appeal to both traditional and contemporary audiences.”

As the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation marches forward into its next chapter, it continues to push the boundaries of what theatre can be. It continues to evolve, introducing fresh narratives, global collaborations, and innovative forms of storytelling that bridge the past and the present. It has not only reshaped the theatre scene in Hyderabad but has also positioned the city on the global cultural map, attracting international talent and audiences alike.

From its iconic performances at historic venues like Golconda Fort, Taramati Baradari, and the Salar Jung Museum, to its recognition in international theatre circles, the Foundation has proven that live theatre, when done right, is an experience unlike any other. It is a living, breathing testament to Hyderabad’s cultural vitality.

20 years of cultural glory – as the banners at its anniversary event proudly proclaimed – marks not an end but the beginning of even greater things to come. For the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, every curtain rise is a new opportunity to continue shaping the cultural future of not just Hyderabad, but the world – one stage, one play at a time.