Telangana Governor Launches 19th Edition of Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, November 6: Telangana Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the 19th edition of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Festival on Wednesday at Hyderabad’s historic Taramati Baradari Cultural Complex. Opening the ceremony, the Governor commended the festival’s remarkable influence on Hyderabad’s theatre culture over the past two decades, stating, “This festival has truly reshaped Hyderabad’s theatre scene.” Reflecting on the legacy of Begum Razia Baig, he quoted Shakespeare’s famous line, “All the world’s a stage,” observing that she “played her role with grace and left an enduring impact on the stage of life.”

The Governor further emphasized the profound experience of theatre, drawing on memories from his youth spent watching theatre in Kolkata, which he described as “a rich, complete experience that needs no explanation.” He praised the tireless efforts of curator Mohammad Ali Baig for bringing theatre to new generations, acknowledging the inclusive vibrancy of this year’s offerings. He also extended particular appreciation to Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi for his stand-up performance Sit Down Ashish, the first-ever comedy act in the festival, a new addition aimed at drawing a wider audience.

Curator Mohammad Ali Baig spoke about the festival’s deeper significance, dedicating this year’s event to the legacy of his mother, Begum Razia Baig, the festival’s co-founder, and long-time chairperson. “For the first time in 19 years, Begum Razia Baig is not with us. She was the heart and soul of this festival, a true force behind its success,” Baig shared, adding that the whole effort remains a tribute to his father, Qadir Ali Baig, a theatre legend who introduced Hyderabad to iconic theatre experiences set against the grandeur of forts and palaces. Baig also expressed gratitude to the people of Hyderabad and the government for their continued support, remarking on the joy of engaging a new generation in the theatre.

The week-long festival runs until November 10, showcasing a diverse range of performances from classical theatre to dance theatre, satire, and storytelling. Highlights include Ila Arun and K.K. Raina in Miracle on Matunga Street, Nadira Babbar’s Kashmir-based love story Farida, and Praveen Kumar’s dance-theatre presentation Thyagaraja Hruth Sadhana. Alexander Wright from the UK will perform an interactive piece based on Greek mythology, while Zila Khan joins Mohammad Ali Baig for An Ode to Motherhood, a tribute to Begum Razia Baig.

Lakshmi Devi Raj, Director of the Festival, and Noor Baig, Vice President of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, were also present at the inaugural ceremony, where the Governor released the official program brochure. Tickets for the festival are available on BookMyShow, inviting audiences to experience the cultural splendor of theatre at Hyderabad’s iconic Taramati Baradari.