“To bring our very first production to a platform like this feels like a full-circle moment” Pankaj Tripathi as ‘Lailaaj’ gets selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav : Bollywood News

Actor Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula Tripathi’s maiden theatre production Lailaaj has been officially selected for the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s largest and most prestigious theatre festival, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. The landmark silver jubilee edition of the festival will be held across January and February, beginning in the last week of January, and will feature acclaimed theatre productions from across India and around the world.

“To bring our very first production to a platform like this feels like a full-circle moment” Pankaj Tripathi as ‘Lailaaj’ gets selected for Bharat Rang MahotsavProduced under the couple’s banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, Lailaaj is a musical comedy play written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan. The selection marks a significant milestone for the Tripathi family, as it is the first time their production house’s maiden play will be showcased at a theatre festival of such national and international repute.

The play holds deep personal significance for Pankaj Tripathi, as it marks his return to theatre after more than a decade. Adding to the emotional resonance is the stage debut of his daughter, Aashi, making Lailaaj a rare and intimate family collaboration rooted in theatre.

Expressing his gratitude and emotions, Pankaj Tripathi shared in a heartfelt note,
“Bharat Rang Mahotsav holds a very special place in the world of Indian theatre, and to have Lailaaj selected for its 25th edition is truly humbling. Theatre is where my roots lie, and NSD has always represented discipline, honesty, and deep respect for the craft. To bring our very first production under Roopkatha Rangmanch to a platform like this feels like a full-circle moment. Lailaaj is a simple, musical, and heartfelt story, but behind it is the hard work of many people who believe in theatre as a living, breathing art form. Sharing this stage with my daughter Aashi adds an emotional layer that I will always cherish. I see this not just as a performance, but as an offering to the theatre community that shaped me.”

Co-producer Mridula Tripathi echoed similar sentiments and spoke about the journey behind the production.
“When we started Roopkatha Rangmanch, the intention was never to chase scale or recognition, but to tell stories with sincerity and warmth. For Lailaaj to be selected for Bharat Rang Mahotsav, especially in its 25th year, feels incredibly validating. This play has been nurtured with love, patience, and belief in the process. Watching it travel to a platform like NSD, where some of the finest theatre work is celebrated, makes the journey even more meaningful. Seeing Aashi take her first steps on stage within this environment is deeply emotional for us as parents. We are grateful to the festival, the audience, and every artist who believes that theatre still has the power to move, heal, and connect.”

With its selection at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Lailaaj takes a major step forward in its theatrical journey. The participation of Roopkatha Rangmanch at India’s largest theatre festival stands as a proud moment—not just for a production house, but for the enduring spirit of theatre, family, and artistic passion.

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