Himani Shivpuri brings Mannu Bhandari’s ‘Akeli’ alive at Razia Baig memorial evening

A powerful solo performance of Akeli, based on a work by Mannu Bhandari, took centre stage in the city as actor Himani Shivpuri portrayed the emotional turmoil of a woman caught in a complex relationship, while also reflecting the struggles of rural women.

The performance was part of the “Remembering Razia Baig” series, organised in memory of theatre patron Begum Razia Baig following her passing two years ago. The event, hosted by the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation at Radisson Blu Plaza, marked her second death anniversary.

Razia Baig, co-founder and chairperson of the foundation, played a key role in shaping several theatre productions, contributing behind the scenes in costume design, adaptations, and production. After the demise of her husband, Qadir Ali Baig, she continued to carry forward the foundation’s work.

A front-row seat was reserved in her memory. The evening featured prominent figures from the city’s cultural and social circles, along with officials and members of the theatre community. The performance was followed by an interactive session with the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Ali Baig said the series aims to carry forward a legacy of meaningful theatre. Himani Shivpuri, in her remarks, said the performing arts needed more women like Razia Baig, while theatre personality Ranjana Srivastava highlighted her lasting contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.

The evening concluded with a felicitation of the actor for her contribution to theatre.