Ahmedabad, 28 January 2025: The National School of Drama (NSD) is organising its flagship Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), International Theatre Festival of India, which completed a successful run of 25 years in 2024. Fondly called ‘Bharangam’, BRM is the world’s largest theatre festival, and is set to take place from 11 February to 15 February, 2025 in Ahmedabad. Through this pioneering effort, NSD is expanding the festival's outreach with enhanced international engagement, building on last year’s theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam.’

“One Expression, Supreme Creation.” This slogan for Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 resonates with the spirit of unity in creative expression, and the oneness of all. Noted actor and NSD alumnus Sh. Rajpal Yadav has been named the Rang Doot (Festival Ambassador) for this year.

In collaboration with Upasana School of Performing Arts, Gujarat University the festival will kick off in the city with an inauguration ceremony on February 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Upasana School of Performing Arts itself, featuring the play Maare Gaye Gulfam.

Take a glance at the programme schedule for Ahmedabad:

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, said: "Bharat Rang Mahotsav has become a quintessential theatre festival on the global stage with its expansive approach. It has not only served as a platform for theatre performances from around the world but has also offered opportunities for the amalgamation of various traditional performing art forms. Additionally, it has facilitated knowledge-sharing and idea-exchange among individuals from the dramatic arts and other creative fields."

Shri Rajpal Yadav shared his thoughts as, “To return to NSD as a Rangdoot for Bharangam 2025, after graduating as a student in 1997, feels like life has come full circle. As I celebrate 25 years in cinema, I'm deeply moved to be part of this incredible gathering. It's truly commendable to witness the high level of artistry achieved here, often with limited resources, a stark contrast to the world of cinema. I'm awestruck.” He further added, “With a mission to unite people through theatre and natya, I stand with you now and always. NSD, one of the world’s premier theatre institutes, has produced extraordinary talent, and under the leadership of Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, I have no doubt that we will soon be recognized as leaders on the global stage."

Welcoming one and all to Bharangam 2025, Professor Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairperson, National School of Drama Society said, "As we celebrate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025, marking the 65th Anniversary of the National School of Drama and the 60th Anniversary of the NSD Repertory Company, we embrace 'Ek Rang, Shreshth Rang,' (One Expression, Supreme Creation) as theatre unites us all, transcending borders through the universal language of storytelling. With the Rang Shashthi festival taking iconic productions to cities across India and beyond, we honour our legacy while looking forward to a future of limitless creativity. Welcome to a festival that celebrates unity, excellence, and the timeless power of theatre ."

BRM 2025, which spans a period of 20 days, from January 28, 2025 to February 16, 2025, will feature more than 200 unique productions from 9 different countries apart from India, showcased across 11 locations in India and 2 abroad, which are Kathmandu and Colombo . International theatre groups