The curtains fell on the three-day Summer Theatre Festival with a spectacular staging of the iconic play Laila-Majnu at the historic Kalidasa auditorium, drawing a full house of theatre enthusiasts.
Directed by the celebrated Padma Shri awardee Ram Gopal Bajaj, the performance breathed new life into the legendary love story, tracing the passionate yet doomed romance of Laila and Qais (Majnu). With a narrative steeped in intense emotion and societal conflict, the production struck a deep chord with the audience, culminating in a standing ovation and resounding applause.
Madhurima Tarafdar and Anant Sharma shone in the lead roles of Laila and Majnu respectively, captivating viewers with their nuanced performances and emotional depth. Their on-stage chemistry and commitment to character brought a haunting beauty to the tragic tale.
Supporting performances by Poonam Dahiya, Puja Gupta, Shivani, and Shilpa Bharti added layers of vibrancy and dramatic flair to the production. The evocative narration by the duo Aamir-Sabir further enriched the experience, seamlessly guiding the audience through the highs and lows of the classic love saga.
Speaking at the conclusion of the festival, Mohd Furqan Khan, Director of the North Zone Cultural Centre, praised the quality of the productions, saying, “The plays immortalised by the artistes during the three-day theatre festival were in sync with the high-end benchmarks of the National School of Drama. The idea behind hosting such theme festivals from time to time is connecting people, especially the youth, to the country’s rich cultural heritage.”
The festival, which showcased a variety of compelling performances over three days, served as a celebration of India’s theatrical traditions, drawing large crowds and reaffirming the enduring appeal of classic storytelling.
